Alaska to Receive $8 Million in ARRA Funding for Forest Service Projects

Recovery Act funds roads, bridges, & ecosystem improvements

June 2, 2009 -- U.S. Forest Service projects across Alaska will receive money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for a variety of efforts including fish stream improvements, road stabilization, dead spruce removal in areas invested by the spruce bark beetle and more.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $228 million for projects in 31 states, including more than $8 million for seven projects in Alaska.

"These projects will provide jobs in communities across our state while making improvements in our incredible national forests," Sen. Mark Begich said. "In Southeast, they'll upgrade salmon habitat by safeguarding streams. In the Interior and Southcentral, they will reduce dangerous fuel loads and protect Alaskans from forest fires."

According to Sec. Vilsack, the road maintenance projects will improve public health and safety, resource protection and access to lands in national forests.

"The rehabilitation of roads will improve water quality by reducing sediments in nearby streams and help to restore natural resources and habitat for fish in areas impacted by deterioration and erosion of road surfaces," Vilsack said.

The projects in Alaska include the communities of Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Yakutat Borough, and the Municipality of Anchorage.

Sec. Vilsack also announced today the release of funding for floodplain easements under the ARRA. Alaska has 13 applications totaling $3.1 million.

A complete list of the Forest Service projects follows (pdf): 090602 Forest Service ARRA.pdf

Source: Senator Mark Begich