U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.1 Million to Bolster Mariculture Workforce Development on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.1 million grant to the Chugach Regional Resources Commission in Anchorage, Alaska, to bolster workforce development in the Kenai Peninsula's mariculture sector.

This grant will support expansion of the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute Patrick (Ratii) Norman facility, helping to create jobs in the marine research and mariculture fields. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.1 million in local funds and is expected to retain 95 jobs and generate $12 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"Building a stronger and more resilient workforce is critical to the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "We know that American workers fuel our economic competitiveness, and this EDA investment will provide the Keani Peninsula community with the skills they need to acquire good-paying, quality jobs while also helping to diversify the regional economy."

"The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. "This investment will bolster a critical sector in Alaska's economy by providing workforce development in an essential, sustainable industry."

"This investment from the EDA will help the Kenai Peninsula harness the full potential of the mariculture industry," said Senator Lisa Murkowski. "Expanding the facility will not only result in more advanced marine research capabilities, but also will invigorate workforce development efforts and private investment opportunities within the Kenai Peninsula."

"As the largest producer of seafood in the nation-roughly sixty percent of American seafood comes from our waters-Alaska is undoubtedly the super power of seafood for our country," said Senator Dan Sullivan. "But our oceans provide us with even more opportunities in mariculture for jobs and for economic development. We have tremendous opportunities for sustainable mariculture in Alaska, and I'm pleased that these funds will bolster much needed workforce development to further develop that industry."

"Alaskans and our fishing families know how important fish is - it's a part of our way of life. Investments in mariculture can help us sustainably protect this way of life and our environment, while creating new, good-paying jobs," said Representative Mary Peltola (AK-At Large).