Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds totaling $2.5 million have been distributed by the state to the Alaska Federation of Natives, with another $500,000 directed to the Tanana Chiefs Conference, to address Alaska Natives disproportionately affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy made the announcement Thursday, June 24.
The funds are to be used by AFN to assist Alaska Native organizations with managing costs incurred in protecting elders and communities from the novel coronavirus.
Funds going to the Tanana Chiefs Conference will aid the TCC Fairbanks Sobering Center, the Interior’s sole provider for Alaskans seeking brief and immediate respite while inebriated. The Fairbanks Sobering Center has been the recipient of an operating grant from the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health, which ended on June 30.
