to conserve natural resources, enhance community resilience, and support a diverse economy in southeast Alaska. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack made an initial commitment of $25 million to the region as part of the strategy.
On Tuesday, Vilsack announced that of the more than 270 investment proposals the department received totaling more than $276 million, 70 projects will receive funding. “Now these projects and investments I think reflect our common commitment to acknowledging, respecting, and honoring indigenous ownership and stewardship, acknowledge the values and priorities, I think it also reflects a commitment to a community-driven investment strategy that reflects the input from local folks, and reflects the local knowledge, and certainly puts a premium on collaborative relationships,” Vilsack said.
Local organizations will be able to decide how the funds are utilized, rather than the federal government making those decisions.Copyright 2022 KTUU. All rights reserved.
So rather than just allowing rights holders to productively develop resources, US will just throw money at “Southeast”?