U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million to Support Sustainable Manufacturing

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to TKC Fish Wheel in Anchorage, Alaska, to support the establishment of a sustainable manufacturing enterprise for the Middle Kuskokwim Tribes.

This grant will support construction of a 9,288-square-foot sawmill in Red Devil, Alaska, that will mill locally harvested timbers sourced from Tribal lands for use in affordable and energy efficient housing. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.6 million in local funds and is expected to create 75 jobs, retain 53 jobs, and generate $13.6 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is about providing all communities with the opportunities and resources they need to thrive in today’s economy, including Tribal communities in Alaska and across the nation,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support the Middle Kuskokwim Tribes and nearby communities by creating high quality, good paying jobs and promoting sustainable economic development.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to assist TKC Fish Wheel in their efforts to develop a strong and resilient regional economy and continue our long history of creating new opportunities for Tribal communities to thrive.”

“I recently took an extraordinary trip on the Middle Kuskokwim, visiting six communities on the river over two days. I learned firsthand what TKC is doing to create new jobs, boost the economy, and create additional housing amid a state-wide housing shortage—all while utilizing local resources,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “The EDA’s announcement of significant funding for the Fish Wheel will complement TKC’s efforts, and I commend Secretary Raimondo for recognizing the significance of this project. I look forward to seeing the sawmill and the jobs it will create during my next visit.”

“Every Alaskan knows the prohibitively high costs of living associated with transportation costs from outside goods. What’s worse, we have so many of the materials we need right in our backyards. As our communities combat outmigration and associated housing and energy shortages, it is imperative we are able to access the resources we need to keep Alaskans in state. This grant will support those aims and increase Alaskans’ self-sufficiency,” said Representative Mary Peltola (AK-At Large).

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. (www.eda.gov)

Source: U.S. Economic Development Association