FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2025
ANCHORAGE, AK – In response to critical and urgent infrastructure needs in rural Alaska, the Denali Commission has awarded a landmark $100 million federal financial assistance grant to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). The funding, transferred from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and authorized under the Clean Air Act, will support major upgrades to bulk fuel tank farms in ten rural communities facing significant energy and environmental risks.
This historic investment represents the largest single-year allocation for bulk fuel facility improvements in Alaska in more than two decades, directly addressing deteriorating infrastructure that threatens health, safety, and energy security across the state.
The Denali Commission expresses deep appreciation to President Donald Trump and his administration, especially EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, for recognizing the critical need in remote rural Alaska. Administrator Zeldin’s visit to the state and his ongoing commitment to addressing these challenges have been instrumental in advancing this work. The Commission also sincerely thanks the Congressional delegation for relentlessly urging administration officials to come to Alaska.
The ten communities selected for investment – Shageluk, Wales, Russian Mission, Eek, Aniak, Kivalina, Kobuk, Noatak, Quinhagak, and Tuluksak – were prioritized based on the severity of infrastructure conditions, project readiness, and regional delivery efficiencies. Many of these communities face compounded risks from aging fuel systems, including fuel spills, operational failures, and disruptions to essential services.
ANTHC will serve as the primary grantee and project manager, issuing subawards to the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) and the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) to oversee construction in five communities each.
Fuel tank farms are critical in off-road-system communities, where safe fuel storage powers electricity, heat, water treatment, clinics, and local economies. Many existing facilities are decades old and pose serious environmental and operational hazards. This investment ensures that the most vulnerable communities receive safe, modern, and reliable infrastructure first.
The three-year performance period for this grant begins August 1, 2025, and ends July 30, 2028. No cost-sharing is required, ensuring the full $100 million is dedicated to construction. The Commission is committed to seeking additional funding to continue addressing the $1 billion need statewide through future phases of this work.
###
Statements from Leaders and Partners
“The Denali Commission is laser-focused on meeting the most urgent infrastructure needs in rural Alaska. This funding will deliver construction projects in ten communities where the need is not only real, but pressing. By working through trusted Alaska-based partners, we are ensuring that these dollars are deployed swiftly and effectively.”
— Julie Kitka, Federal Co-Chair, Denali Commission
“Improving the reliability of power systems in rural Alaska supports access to water and sanitation services. Access to clean water is a proven way to reduce infections and increase community health outcomes. This investment is a bold step toward infrastructure equity for rural Alaska, ultimately helping to secure a sustainable future for Alaska Native communities.”
— Natasha Singh, President/CEO, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
“This is exactly the kind of investment Alaska needs to strengthen our rural communities and ensure they have safe, modern infrastructure. I commend the Denali Commission, EPA, and Alaska’s federal delegation for working together to deliver results, and my administration stands ready to support swift implementation across the state.”
— Governor Michael Dunleavy
“Bulk fuel is still an essential lifeline for many communities in rural Alaska. Diesel keeps the lights on and allows people to remain in the communities where their families have lived for generations. I am pleased to see the Denali Commission make this award, which will modernize and upgrade infrastructure to enhance resilience, prevent environmental harm, and lower power costs for these villages. I appreciate Administrator Zeldin’s visit to Alaska, where he witnessed these issues firsthand, gained a deeper understanding of them, and provided funding for significant improvements.”
— Senator Lisa Murkowski
“My team and I spent months working with the Trump administration to secure this vital investment in the aging bulk fuel infrastructure that thousands of Alaskans rely on to heat their homes and power their communities in areas with some of the harshest climates in the world. I commend EPA Administrator Zeldin for recognizing the urgent need to address this long-standing crisis and for partnering with the Denali Commission on this major $100 million capital investment, as well as longer-term sustainable maintenance solutions for our rural communities. These upgrades will help deliver safer and more reliable energy infrastructure across Alaska.”
— Senator Dan Sullivan
“This $100 million investment for key upgrades to Alaska’s bulk fuel tank infrastructure will help secure long-term energy reliability for our villages and address vital infrastructure needs for liquid fuel storage. I commend the EPA and Denali Commission for their years of collective efforts and advocacy to make this possible. This investment will address decades of deferred maintenance and ensure these communities have the infrastructure and resources they need for long-term viability.”
— Congressman Nick Begich
“This investment demonstrates what can be achieved through strong federal, state, and local partnerships. Working alongside the Denali Commission and ANTHC, AEA is committed to delivering critical bulk fuel infrastructure upgrades that improve energy security, protect the environment, and strengthen the resilience of rural Alaska communities for generations to come.”
— Curtis W. Thayer, Executive Director, Alaska Energy Authority
“Upgrading these tank farms is not just about infrastructure—it’s about protecting families, supporting economies, and strengthening communities. We’re honored to support this essential work.”
— Bill Stamm, CEO, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
Contact:
Jocelyn Fenton, Director of Programs
Denali Commission
907-343-9647