WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski today applauded the new Memorandum of
Understanding signed today – by Native, Alaska State and Federal
representatives – as a crucial step forward in eliminating much of the
bureaucracy delaying basic infrastructure such as water and wastewater projects
in rural villages. “I am pleased that the language I made sure was in the
2010 Agriculture Appropriations Bill to streamline the Village Safe Water
Program has gotten us to a simpler, smoother process given Alaska’s unique
challenges,” said Murkowski.
The
Rural Alaska Village Grant program provides funds for planning, design and
implementation of infrastructure projects like water and wastewater systems in
rural or Native Villages. In April 2010, the US Department of
Agriculture, in response to Senator Murkowski’s directive, began a streamlining
process to simplify and accelerate the process in Alaska – taking into account
the tight window for construction work – while maintaining the same high degree
of oversight and accountability for the work.
U.S.
Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager said “My
agency is committed to improving the quality of life in rural Alaska. I
have seen first-hand the significant water and wastewater needs in rural
Alaskan Villages and am pleased we are streamlining our process.”
Attached
is the 2009 letter from Senator Murkowski to the Honorable Dallas Tonsager,
initiating the conversation.
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