U.S. Department of Commerce Awards $1.9 Million Grant to TKC Fish Wheel in Anchorage
The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, has announced a $1.9 million grant to TKC Fish Wheel in Anchorage, Alaska. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), aims to aid the establishment of a sustainable manufacturing enterprise for the Middle Kuskokwim Tribes.
This grant will support the construction of a new sawmill in Red Devil, Alaska. Spanning a total of 9,288 square feet, the sawmill will process locally harvested timber from Tribal lands for use in affordable, energy-efficient housing. The EDA’s investment will be matched with $1.6 million in local funds, a move expected to generate 75 jobs, retain an additional 53, and stimulate $13.6 million in private investment, based on grantee estimates.
“These actions are in line with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which is committed to providing all communities with the opportunities and resources they need to thrive, including Tribal communities in Alaska and across the nation,” said Secretary Raimondo. The investment will contribute to creating high-quality jobs and promoting sustainable economic development among the Middle Kuskokwim Tribes and surrounding communities, Raimondo added.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo highlighted the Economic Development Administration’s pivotal role in supporting locally developed strategies to create economic opportunities. Castillo expressed her contentment in assisting TKC Fish Wheel’s efforts to develop a strong regional economy and to continue creating new opportunities for Tribal communities to thrive.
The funding for this project falls under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023. This Act provided the EDA with additional funds for disaster relief and recovery in areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act, in response to natural disasters such as Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters in calendar years 2021 and 2022. For more information, visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage.
