tain programs. Smaller infrastruc- ture projects, or many of them, are seeming to find favor with the new administration, and funds in certain U.S. Environmental Protection Ad- ministration projects have even been restored. Julie Kitka, Federal Co-Chair of the Denali Commission, a federal-state body that coordinates mainly federal money to rural projects, said funds for several Denali Commission proj- ects put on hold have now seen funds released. The Denali Commission funds mostly small projects such as water, sanitation and solid waste, health facilities and village infrastructure protection. There was $50.6 million in active and pending Denali Com- mission projects active and pending as of late February, according to in- formation provided to the House Ju- diciary Committee in Juneau.
it can keep the project moving in planning and engineering using state funds appropriated for the federal match, but long lead-time equip- ment will soon have to be ordered, which involves more costs. However, the new president also has targeted federal funds for re- newable energy, and in Alaska this affects federally-funded projects in- cluding $52.5 million for electric ve- hicle charging stations planned along the Parks Highway between Anchor- age and Fairbanks. The program has been suspended by the president. Another program on hold is “So- lar for All,” a $62.5 million program that would build Alaska communi- ty solar projects and rooftop solar in low-income communities and neighborhoods. There also is concern that federal permits for wind proj- ects, even on state lands, may be on hold. Some federal money frozen by the president has started to flow in cer-
This is planned by the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the state di- vision of Geologic and Geophysical Surveys. The university hopes the freeze will be lifted in time to mobi- lize summer field work. Most of these projects were “paused” in a 90-day hold to en- sure projects conform with the pres- ident’s political agenda. While much of this money will likely be released, the timing is uncertain. That is caus- ing problems in planning mobiliza- tion for summer crews. An important project so far where federal funds are frozen is the sub- sea HVDC power line from the Kenai Peninsula to Cook Inlet’s west side that would create a backup transmis- sion loop for moving low-cost Brad- ley Lake power to the Mat-Su and Anchorage areas and around the ex- isting Kenai Peninsula transmission line, which has constrained capacity. The federal grant is $206.5 million. The Alaska Energy Authority says
— Tim Bradner
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