U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.5 Million to Support Energy Infrastructure Improvements in Nome, Alaska

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4.5 million grant to the Sitnasuak Native Corporation in Nome, Alaska, to support energy infrastructure improvements to bolster the resilience of the region's economy.

This grant will support the installation of new fuel storage tanks to serve as the region's primary gasoline and heating oil source. This EDA investment will be matched with $12.7 million in local funds and is expected to retain 817 jobs and generate $5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that infrastructure is key to building an economy that works for all Americans," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "This EDA investment will support energy infrastructure improvements in Nome, Alaska that will help build economic resilience by keeping jobs in the region."

"The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency efforts," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. "This project will provide critical infrastructure improvements to help ensure economic resilience in Nome."

"Like many communities in the region, Nome continues to recover from the impacts of Typhoon Merbok. Building strong, resilient, and secure energy systems is imperative for our rural communities" said Senator Lisa Murkowski. "This investment from the EDA will promote energy security and economic opportunity for the Sitnasuak Native Corporation, the town of Nome, and the broader region."

"This is a huge win for Nome-both for energy and Tribal self-determination," said Representative Mary Peltola (AK-At Large). "Proud to have voted to pass this important bill and bring home this win for Alaska."

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 Actas 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 webpagefor more information.