Washington, D.C. - The Alaska Congressional Delegation today announced a series of grants and awards to state groups and departments made by federal agencies. Alaska Congressman Don Young and Sens. Ted Stevens and Frank Murkowski said today that agencies have issued grants and awards worth $46,836,705 in recent weeks. The grants and awards include: Department of Agriculture $467,500 To the University of Alaska Fairbanks for research into the role of organic nitrogen in the nitrogen economy of Taiga trees. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration $1,900,000 This EDA grant was awarded to Douglas Island Pink and Chum, Inc. for the construction of renovations and improvements to the Snettisham Fish Hatchery. $1,050,000 The Shishmaref IRA Village Council was awarded an EDA grant for the construction of the Shishmaref Tannery. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Grants to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game $150,432 The money will be used for projects ranging from the collection of biological data on key species to resource assessment surveys for sablefish, rockfish, and lingcod in the Southeaster and East Yakutat areas. $170,000 To continue the cooperative management agreement that aids in the implementation of a State-Federal Scallop FMP. The scallop biologist/coordinator will utilize in-season observer and catch data to refine season closures and assure Optimum Yield. $538,365 To conduct chinook salmon stock assessment projects in the Southeast Alaska fisheries and on specific Southeast Alaska stocks. $1,222,000 Grant provides support for reconnaissance surveys and other research activities needed as prerequisites to the development of new commercial fisheries in Alaska waters. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Grants to other entities $1,682,700 NOAA grant for the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission to develop a database of Alaska fishery information. This database will support the development of fishery management plans and provide the analysis necessary for regulation activities. $335,000 The Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission was granted a NOAA grant to conduct population assessments of Bowhead whales. In addition, the money will be used to develop more humane weapons for harvesting whales as well as collecting biological samples and other information on the health of the whales. Department of Energy $157,550 Grant awarded by the Office of Science to the University of Alaska to fund a 3-year research project headed by Dr. David E. Newman. Concerned with fusion energy development, this project is titled “Investigations of Self-organized Criticality as a Paradigm for Turbulent Transport.” Environmental Protection Agency $40,000 To the Kasgit Council of Elders for the creation and development of a Yup’ik Bering Sea Vision. The grant will provide money to fund surveys, studies, and investigations. $29,750 For the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to pay for Wastewater Operator Training Programs. $90,000 Grant awarded to the Salamatof Tribal Council under the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act of 1992. The funds will be used for the development of tribal environmental plans and policies. $68,459 Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, this grant was awarded to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Committee for funding the State of Alaska Underground Injection Program. Department of Health and Human Services $50,000 Grant awarded by the Administration for Native Americans to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe to implement a Language Retention Planning program. $250,000 To the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for the improvement of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) capabilities for Alaska Natives. Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative $2,500,000 An EDI Special Project Grant to the Alaska Vocational Technical Center in Seward. This grant will be used to acquire a ship simulator for computer-based training for licensing and certification of Alaska ship personnel. $150,000 To the Tingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority to fund the Elder Youth Business Program, a combination entrepreneurial mentorship training program. This program is designed for lower-income individuals to strengthen their culture and economy through development of a small business. Department of Housing and Urban Development Indian Housing Block Grants awarded under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 $4,433,808 Tagiugmiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority $16,904,290 AVCP Regional Housing Authority $1,537,760 Metlakatla Housing Authority Department of Justice $17,941 Grant awarded to the City of Wasilla through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to fund the Troops to Cops ‘99 program. This program encourages the hiring of recently separated military veterans to serve as law enforcement officers. It transitions members of the armed forces into community policing across the nation. $1,372,640 To the State of Alaska under the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). Administered by the Office of Justice Programs, this grant will help offset the costs of incarcerating criminal illegal aliens. $2,000 For the City of Bethel to help purchase bulletproof vests for law enforcement officers. Department of Labor $2,708,771 Welfare-to-Work Formula Grant to the State of Alaska. This grant will go to Alaska’s Department of Community and Regional Affairs which will then turn over 85 percent of the money to local Private Industrial Councils. $50,000 This grant will help the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in providing training for women students in the areas of residential electrical maintenance and structural maintenance. The project will provide training, but more importantly, will also provide for the help and assistance that each student will need to become a successful graduate and enter a construction workforce that is consistently demanding more women employees. National Endowment for the Humanities $194,555 To the Alutiiq Heritage Foundation to support a traveling exhibition, educational programs, CD-ROM, and catalog on the Alutiiq people of south coastal Alaska, featuring prehistoric and contemporary materials. $135,000 Grant awarded to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum. The funds will be used to install a new wing of the museum devoted to Alaskan art with a special emphasis on the ways in which people have responded expressively to the region. $9,860 The Koahnic Broadcasting Corporation has been awarded a grant for a project focused on the revitalization of Native oral traditions. They will consult with experts in Alaskan native cultures to enhance the production of radio programs dealing with the oral traditions of native cultures. $31,500 For the University of Alaska Fairbanks to fund their Schools for a New Millennium projects. The University plans to create a digital database of the University of Alaska Museum’s collection to enhance the K-6 humanities curriculum on Alaskan history and culture at Denali Elementary School. $24,944 To the University of Alaska Anchorage for curriculum development. The University will hold a series of seminars for faculty members on ethical issues in public administration and engineering as a foundation for an ethics-across-the curriculum program in the professions. National Institutes of Health $509,687 Awarded to the University of Alaska Anchorage to fund a follow-up on their needle exchange trial. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Grants awarded to the State of Alaska $79,035 To conduct a master plan study to determine if it is feasible to locate an airport on the small island of Akutan. $4,450,000 To construct a new airport in Huslia that will meet current FAA standards and provide safer year-round transportation. Department of Transportation Grants awarded to other entities $380,000 For the acquisition of land surrounding Fairbanks International Airport to ensure noise compatibility. $350,000 Funds will be used to construct new runways and extended existing ones at the Egegik Airport. $1,224,246 This project will rehabilitate, improve safety, and remove obstructions on various runways at the airport in Nome. $1,100,000 For the construction a security fence around the perimeter of the Klawock Airport to prevent runway incursions by deer and bears. $468,912 To identify the Anchorage International Airport infrastructure and address the operational issues needed to meet the increase in cargo activity.