Recovery Act Funds 88 Fish & Wildlife Projects in Alaska

Nearly $11 million for refuges across the state

Projects in more than a dozen wildlife refuges across Alaska, along with projects on other public and private lands, will receive nearly $11 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARR).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today Alaska will receive $10.7 million for 88 projects including fish passage and salmon habitat restoration, improvements to visitor centers, and energy efficiency projects. According to the USFWS, all of the projects chosen are long-standing priorities identified through the agency's capital planning process.

"Preserving and protecting Alaska's unique fish and wildlife resources is a priority across our state," Sen. Mark Begich said. "This money will help restore habitat, take care of deferred maintenance projects, build better facilities, and in many cases invest in energy efficiency projects, all while creating employment and economic opportunities for Alaskans."

According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, the $10.7 million is broken down in the following way:

· $3.86 million Habitat Restoration

· $3.27 million Energy Efficiency Retrofits of Service facilities

· $2.37 million Deferred Maintenance of facilities/ infrastructure

· $1.14 million Reconstruction & Repair of Service buildings/structures

· $650,000 Capital Improvements

Some of the wildlife refuges included in the funding are Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge and more. For a list of all of the areas in Alaska where the projects are located, go to http://recovery.doi.gov/press/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/fws-by-state-and-unit-04-24-09.pdf.

From a Senator Mark Begich press release