Appropriations packages passed out of the U.S. House on Tuesday, Dec. 17, include millions of dollars in aid for rural Alaska, including important wins for hospitals and village clinics, said Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska.
The legislation is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump.
The packages also include funds to combat hunger, expand nutrition programs, and combat domestic violence and child abuse nationwide, particularly in rural areas.
Alaska specific funding includes $35,953 million for Alaska Native education programs, an increase of $500,000 over funding for fiscal year 2019, and $125 million for leases including clinics in Alaska, an increase of $89 million over last year.
Another bill in the package provides $18.32 million for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian higher education programs, an increase of $2.39 million over last year, at Young’s request.
Also included was a funding level of $746 million for the NAHASDA (Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act) Native housing fund, the same as in the previous year.
Additional millions of dollars were included for more health card, education, weatherization assistance, fighting wildfires, salmon management, water and wastewater infrastructure and essential air service.
