March 4, 2009

Murkowski announces release of emergency funding for Emmonak, Alaska

From a Senator Lisa Murkowski press release:

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced today that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has released $20,000 that the Emmonak Tribal Council requested to help residents who are struggling with high home heating fuel and food costs this winter.

Emmonak had requested $20,000 in emergency assistance and the BIA signed off on the funding today.

"I had asked BIA at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing in January to find assistance to help Emmonak residents get through the winter, and I am glad to see that the agency has finally responded," Murkowski said. "A poor fishing season this year combined with sky high fuel prices left many families facing the tough decision of whether to put food on the table or heat their homes.

"As ranking member of the Senate Energy Committee and as a member of the Indian Affairs panel, I remain committed to finding ways to provide long-term, affordable energy solutions for rural Alaska."

A BIA official today confirmed that the funds are being transferred to the agency's Alaska office, which will forward them to the Emmonak Tribal Council for distribution to local families.

"If Emmonak residents discover that they need additional funds to make it through the rest of the winter, I will be glad to support their request and the requests of other villages experiencing similar difficulties," Murkowski said.