Press Release Says, Priorities submitted by Begich funded in Interior Appropriations Subcommittee

Several projects of importance to Alaskans have been approved by the Interior, Environment Appropriations Subcommittee in the U.S. Senate. The subcommittee has approved nearly $2 million in water and sewer projects, in several Alaska communities as part of the ongoing appropriations process. The action is the first step in a lengthy process.

“I am pleased to see critical infrastructure projects for Alaska, submitted to me by Alaskans, get recognized as priorities in the 2010 Interior appropriations bill,” Sen. Mark Begich said. “We are still at the beginning of the process, but this is positive news as we look for ways to generate jobs, invest in infrastructure and keep our economy healthy.”

The bill helps communities and public lands in several areas including water infrastructure and environmental protection; firefighting and fuels reduction on federal lands; and helping the most vulnerable in Indian Country.

The projects approved for Alaska include:

· City of Kodiak for water and sewer improvements–$300,000

· City of Buckland for construction of a piped water and sewer system–$500,000

· City of Soldotna for a water and wastewater improvement project–$500,000

· Municipality of Skagway for a wastewater treatment facility expansion project–$300,000

· Increase budget request for the Tongass National Forest Timber Pipeline Program–$1,250,000

The bill includes an almost $450 million increase for the Indian Health Service which will support expanded health care for Alaska Natives throughout the state. There are also increases for the Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs and federal land management agencies which will have a positive impact in Alaska.

The next step is the full Appropriations Committee.

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