Murkowski welcomes more than 40 awards for climate projects in Tribal communities across Alaska

Senator Lisa Murkowski, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced on March 20 more than $30.4 million for 42 climate resilience projects in tribal communities in Alaska. These awards, made possible through funding provided by Congress through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and the annual appropriations process, will help tribal communities across the state adapt and bolster their resilience to climate change.

“The selection of more than 40 climate resilience projects across tribal communities in Alaska is a significant step forward in addressing the growing threats and impacts of climate change,” said Senator Murkowski.

The different groups will receive awards under the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Climate Resilience Annual Awards Program. Alaska received about one-quarter of the total of $120 million in awards announced Wednesday.

Among the awardees, the Knik Tribe received $2,870,666.00 for their work strengthening co-stewardship of aquatic wildlife resources in Cook Inlet, gathering Knowledge to Ensure Long-Term Food Sovereignty by Learning from the Past, Taking Stock of the Present, and Planning for the Future.

Chugach Regional Resources Commission, Chugach Imaq received $208,086.00 for their long-term evaluation of the effects of climate change on Indigenous marine mammals in the Chugach region. They also received $192,435.00 for evaluating subsistence shellfish beaches for future enhancement and clam garden projects

As Vice Chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, a senior appropriator, and one of the lead negotiators and authors of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Senator Murkowski played a key role in authorizing and providing the funding awarded by DOI.

“By incorporating Indigenous knowledge and prioritizing community driven initiatives, we can ensure these resources effectively meet the unique needs of each Tribe.”