Alaska Infrastructure Development Symposium

Presentations

AML was excited to work with the Governor’s Office of Infrastructure and the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) to deliver the 4th annual Infrastructure Development Symposium to work toward and review progress on federal infrastructure investments. The goal remains to maximize the benefits to Alaska through active engagement and coordination. Held consecutively with the Congressional Delegation’s Grants Symposium, this event was a clearinghouse of information and planning.

The Infrastructure Symposium featured updates from state and federal agencies, implementation strategies from State officials, and a review of Alaska opportunities. Most importantly, workshops focused on planning efforts and ways to overcome challenges. 

2024 Presentations

Tuesday, April 2 Dena’ina Center

8:30 am               Registration Open                                                                                       2nd floor foyer

9:00 am               Concurrent Sessions

Housing Summit – Leveraging State & Local Funding                                    Tikahtnu B

Moderated by Carol Gore, board member, CIRI

  • Daniel Delfino, Director of Planning and Program Development, AHFC
  • Chad Stovall, Regional Director, HUD
  • Mark Fineman, Vice President, CIHA
  • Erik O’Brien, Program Officier, Denali Commission
  • Mike Huston, Board Vice Chair, Housing Alaskans: A Public-Private Partnership
  • Dewayne Cooper, Regional Manager, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Presentations:

ErikObrien_DenaliComission_Funding Housing Projects – 4-2-24
DanielDelfino_AHFC_AML Infrastructure_PDF
MikeHouston_HAPP_HousingSummitPresentation
MarkFineman_AK infrastructure symposium 2024 (3.29.24)
JasmineBoyle_AML Housing Panel

Transportation – Transportation Planning                                                        Tikahtnu C&D

Moderated by Britta Hamre, AML

  • Regional Planning Initiatives and the Interior Area Plan
    • Judy Chapman and Sara Lucey, DOT&PF
  • Air, Water, Ice: Old and New Programs
    • Becca Douglas, Sarah Cripe, and Sara Lucey, DOT&PF

Presentations:

Infrastructure Symposium Navio 04.2.24
Hyman AK v2 from Template
Equity Planning Presentation
4.2.24 Worksheet
4.2.24 AK Infrastructure Development Symposium_ Corrected
RPO Toolkit for AML

Water and Wastewater – Water and Wastewater Sustainability                              Tikahtnu E&F

Moderated by Charissa Williar, ANTHC

  • Francine Moreno, Department of Rural Utility Management Services, ANTHC
  • Charissa Williar, Program Manager, ANTHC
  • Chris Cox, Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative, ANTHC

Workforce Development – Statewide System Scaling                                   Kahtnu 1&2

Summary of Workforce Development Convening Outcomes

  • Career Guides
  • Convener
  • Outreach Campaign

Presentations:

WF2030 Infrastructure Summit 4.2.24_Final
Empowering Alaska’s Workforce
240401_April Infrastructure Symposium KW Presentation and Facilitation_vF

Noon                    Lunch                                                                                                             Tikahtnu A

State Agency Updates

Moderated by Shareen Crosby, Office of Infrastructure Investment, State of Alaska  

  • Katherine Keith, Deputy Commissioner, Alaska DOT&PF
  • Curtis Thayer, Executive Director, Alaska Energy Authority
  • Akis Gialopsos, Deputy Director, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation

Presentations:

4.02.24 Noon Infra Symp State of Alaska Presentation

1:00 pm               Concurrent Sessions

Housing Summit – Innovations to Reduce Construction Costs                    Tikahtnu B

Moderated by Colleen Dushkin, AAHA

  • Azara Mohammadi, Tribal Liaison for the Alaska National Guard
  • Matt Labrenz, Forest Products Specialist at the UAF Cooperative Extension Service
  • Calvin Cockroft, COO – Association of Village Council Presidents Regional Housing Authority
  • Glenn Steckman, City Manager for the City of Nome
  • Shareen Crosby, Office of Infrastructure Investment, State of Alaska

Presentations:

S Crosby 4.02.24 1 PM Housing – Reduce Const Costs
GlennSteckman_3D Housing Presentation
ChrisKolerokBABA PPT – 2023 NCAI Annual Meeting
Alaska Lumber Grading Presentation_AML Housing
Innovative Readiness Training Fact Sheet (Dec. 2017)
IRT How to Apply PDF
IRT AR2022_062323_reduced_file_size
AAHA BABA Comments 12-18-2023
BABA Impacts on Tribal Housing Programs
BABA Draft Comments Template- Public  Symposium

Transportation – Financing Options                                                                    Tikahtnu C&D

Moderated by Britta Hamre, AML

  • Sara Williams, Build America Bureau (virtual)
  • Betz Mayer, Pacific Northwest Economic Region
  • Nikki Navio, Denali Commission

Water and Wastewater – Financing Options                                                    Tikahtnu E&F

Moderated by Melody Nibeck, AML

  • Robert Chambers, Water & Environmental Programs, USDA RD
  • Neverley Wake, US EPA Region 10
  • Greg Magee, Rural Community Assistance Corporation

Workforce Development – Statewide System Scaling                                   Kahtnu 1&2

Discussion – strategic implementation

  • Wraparound Services
  • Job Quality

Rural Alaska Bulk Fuel Summit                                                                             Tikahtnu A

Facilitated by Katie Conway, Energy Program Manager, Denali Commission (confirmed)

  • Current condition of rural bulk fuel infrastructure and forecasted $1B+ funding need.
  • The role of bulk fuel tank farms in preserving rural life, health, and safety.
  • Economic and environmental risks of tank farm failure.
  • Funding resources and other mechanisms to help shore up this critical infrastructure.

Presentations:

USCG Sector Anchorage Presentation
DC Bulk Fuel Summit 2024-04-02
Colt Bulk Fuel importance AML 02Apr2024
AEA BFU Presentation Draft V5_With Links

4:30 pm               Adjourn

Wednesday, April 3 Dena’ina Center

8:30 am               Registration Open

9:00 am               Concurrent Sessions

Housing Summit – Local Action: Regional Planning, STRs, & Incentives               Tikahtnu B

Facilitated by Alicia Hughes-Skandijs, Director of Programs, AML

  • Kate Huber, Community Development Director, Valdez
  • Anna Brawley, Assembly Member, Municipality of Anchorage
  • Amy Ainslie, City and Borough of Sitka
  • Tyler Robinson, VP of Community Development, CIHA
  • Peter Evon, AVCP RHA

Presentations:

PeterEvon_AVCPRHAStrategicPlan
Kate_Huber_AML Infrastructure Forum Slides Kate Huber
AML slides Tyler Robinson Zoning (1)
2024-0403 Brawley Assembly Comments Housing (1)

Transportation – Equity Considerations                                                                            Tikahtnu C&D

  • Statewide Equitable Community Connectivity Action Plan (SECCAP)
    • James Marks and Judy Chapman, DOT&PF
    • Nils Andreassen, Executive Director, AML
  • Complete Streets
    • Julius Adolfsson, DOT&PF
    • Anna Bosin, DOT&PF

Water and Wastewater – Asset Management Awareness and Tools                       Tikahtnu E&F

Moderated by Melody Nibeck, AML

  • Rowan Holyer, Icinfrastructure
  • Chris Paine, Icinfrastructure

Presentations:

Water and Wastewater Master Slide
W&WW Funding Financing Opportunities_Apr2024AML
USDA CF & WEP Disaster Repair Grants
TCTAC-EFC-at-RCAC_AML-Infra-Symposium-2024-0402
icInf AML_1 Introduction to Asset Management April2024_v0.3
2024 CUAP Infrastructure Development Symposium

Alaska Broadband Plan and Implementation                                                                  Kahtnu 1&2

Moderated by Erin Reinders, Alaska Municipal League

  • Thomas Lochner, Alaska Broadband Office
  • Lisa Von Bargen, Alaska Broadband Office
  • Amy Hankins, Digital Equity Coalition of Alaska

Presentations:

ABO — Infrastructure Symposium 4-3-2024 (R3b 4-2-2024)_Final

Noon                    Lunch                                                                                                                            Tikahtnu A

Energy Opportunities and Technical Assistance

Introduced by Nils Andreassen, Alaska Municipal League

  • Erin Whitney, Arctic Energy Office
  • Erin Reinders, Alaska Municipal League

Presentations:

Infra Sym Energy – Reinders WED
AE Infrastructure Development Symposium April 2024

 

1:00 pm               Concurrent Sessions

Housing Summit – Land: Transfers, Trusts, and Collaboration                                    Tikahtnu B

Facilitated by Nils Andreassen, Alaska Municipal League

  • Colleen Dushkin, Executive Director, AAHA
  • Marya Halvorsen, Koniag 
  • Randy Hughey, Executive Director, Sitka Community Land Trust
  • Matt Mead, Partner, Landye Bennett Blumstein
  • Rachel Longacre, Chief of Operations, Division of Mining, Land and Water – Alaska Department of Natural Resources
  • Hannah Uherkoch, Section Chief of the Land Conveyance Section – Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Presentations:

AAHA Presentation AML 2024
RachelLongacre_Infrastructure Development Symposium_4.3.2024
SCLT Basics 2024.3.30

Transportation – Rural and Regional Collaboration                                                       Tikahtnu C&D

  • Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success
    • Robert Hyman and Amanda Rogers, USDOT ROUTES Program
  • Regional Planning Organizations & Metropolitan Planning Organizations
    • Katherine Keith, Judy Chapman, and Adam Bradway, Alaska DOT&PF
    • Aaron Jongenelen, AMATS

Water and Wastewater – Utility Support and Capacity Building                               Tikahtnu E&F

Moderated by Melody Nibeck, AML

  • Lynn Kenealy, Rural Utility Business Advisor Program, State of Alaska
  • Tammy Helms, Technical Assistance Programs, State of Alaska
  • Kristin K’eit, Regional Field Manager, Rural Community Assistance Corporation
  • Fatima Ochante, Capacity Program Manager, State of Alaska

Alaska Sustainable and Affordable Energy Planning                Kahtnu 1&2

Moderated by Griffin Plush, Alaska Municipal League

Energy Landscape & Strategies Panel

  • Dustin Madden, ANTHC Rural Energy Program
  • Jimmy Ord, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
  • Erin McKittrick, Alaska Energy Blog
  • Steve Colt, Alaska Center for Energy and Power
  • Tim Leach, Launch Alaska

Presentations:

2024 AML Infrastructure Workshop – ANTHC Rural Energy
AML Alaska Sustainability and Affordability Energy
CPRG Planning Intro 4-3
Colt ACEP Decarb 2050 for AML 03Apr2024
April 3 Infrastructure – McKittrick
Launch Alaska CPRG Transportation

4:30 pm               Adjourn

Thursday, April 4 Dena’ina Center

Plenary Sessions Ballroom A and B 

8:30 am               Registration Open

9:00 am               Welcome and Overview of Progress

Facilitated by Shareen Crosby, Office of Infrastructure

  • Senator Dan Sullivan – video address
  • Nicole Borromeo, Alaska Federation of Natives
  • Nils Andreassen, Alaska Municipal League
  • Luke Bassett, Senior Advisor and Director of Policy and Program Impact for Inflation Reduction Act Implementation, U.S. Treasury Bassett – morning

9:45 am               Break

10:15 am             Lessons Learned – Applications, Negotiation, Implementation

Facilitated by Erin Reinders, Director of Infrastructure Development, AML

  • Robert Venables, Southeast Conference
  • Brian Hirsch, Deerstone Consulting
  • Anne Bailey, Aleutians East Borough
  • Dave Messier, Tanana Chiefs Conference
  • Iliodor Philemonof, Calista Corporation (invited)
  • Cassidi Cameron, Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District (invited)

11:45 am             Break

Noon                    Lunch

Facilitated by Nicole Borromeo, Director, AFN Navigator Program

  • Representative Mary Peltola
  • Senator Lisa Murkowski

1:15 pm               Strategic Planning – Getting to Deliverables

Facilitated by Teri Cothren, University of Alaska

  • Dirk Craft, Alaska Workforce Investment Board
  • Jasmine Boyle, COO, RurAL CAP
  • Conner Erickson, Director of Planning, Alaska Energy Authority
  • Jon Bittner, AKSBDC
  • David Beveridge, ANTHC
  • Michele Brown, Housing Alaskans

2:45 pm               Break

3:00 pm               Upcoming Opportunities – Federal Partners

Facilitated by Shareen Crosby, Office of Infrastructure

4:15 pm               Closing Remarks

4:30 pm               Adjourn

* 4:30-8pm         Tribal Consultation Alaska Broadband – appetizers included

Friday, April 5 Egan Center

Alaska Grants Symposium Hosted by Alaska’s Congressional Delegation

Egan Center | Anchorage, Alaska
Friday, April 5
10:00am – 4:00pm

More than 40 State and Federal agencies will be represented at the 2024 Alaska Grant Symposium. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet directly with those agencies supporting your community, explore current funding opportunities, and discuss ideas for future projects. The Alaska Grant Symposium is free to attend.

State and Federal Agencies Represented:

U.S. Department of Energy
Alaska State Council on the Arts (DEED)
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
National Park Service
USDA
DOI – Bureau of Land Management
RurAl CAP
Denali Commission
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
USDA Rural Development
Alaska Sea Grant, UAF
SBA
State of Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection
Alaska Community Foundation
NOAA
AWIB
OVW Tribal Affairs Division
University of Alaska Fairbanks eCampus
State of Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Internal Revenue Service/Taxpayer Advocate Service
Alaska Energy Authority
Murkowski CDS Booth
Senator Sullivan Booth
Representative Peltola Booth
Alaska Municipal League
Indian Health Service, Alaska Area Office
Office of Indian Economic Development AS-IA
US DOT, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
AFN
State of Alaska – Alaska Broadband Office
U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Environmental Protection Agency
AIDEA (Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority)
NSF
EDA
State of Alaska, Division of Community and Regional Affairs
Bureau of Indian Affairs
NOAA
FEMA Region 10

Download the 2024 Infrastructure Final Agenda PDF

Representative Peltola's Remarks

Representative Peltola was unable to attend the Symposium, but shared these remarks:

“Hello AML!

I’m sorry I couldn’t make it today, but luckily, I have some updates from Congress for our oceans, land, and air.

Recently, I introduced the PORT Act, which would make it easier to get federal funds to our ports and more shovels in the dirt. There are large pots of federal money from legislation like the bipartisan infrastructure law and the inflation reduction act that are tied up right now. And in Alaska, we import so much— my bill would streamline permitting to get projects moving faster, decreasing shipping costs for all Alaskans.

In many parts of our state, our marine highway is a lifeline between our communities. My bill would be a helpful addition to processing the large grants the federal government has awarded our essential marine highway system!

And in the air, we’re seeing new funds awarded to Alaskan communities! Airport Improvement Program Grants from the last 8 months have dedicated nearly $100 million to new runways, improved taxiways, and better safety features that make the 82% of Alaskan communities that are only accessible via air more efficient and safe to travel to. Funds have already made it to Anchorage, Ketchikan, Wasilla, Shishmaref, and Mekoryuk!

As Vice-Ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Authority, or FAA. Alaskans rely on flying more than anyone else in the country, and many of our state’s priorities—like reliable infrastructure and weather monitoring—need to be included in this bill. I’m working to make sure that happens.

Finally, on land: the State Transportation Improvement Program, known as STIP just received partial approval from the Federal Highway Administration. After the plan was initially rejected, it was important to stay engaged with the US DOT in order to not miss out on this important funding. I spoke with Transportation Secretary Buttigieg about the importance the STIP has for Alaska and how we needed to find a way to get the plan approved. I’m glad that we could work together to get this partial approval and work toward making our roads better for Alaskan drivers over the next several years.

Thank you again for inviting me to be with you today, and for welcoming my staff in my place!

I wish you all the best in discussing our state’s infrastructure shortfalls, opportunities, and goals. Hope to see you all soon!”

Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola

Senator Sullivan shared these remarks, welcoming participants and highlighting the importance of continuing to pursue infrastructure funding for projects in Alaska.

The Congressional Delegation’s Alaska Grant Symposium will take place Friday, April 5, 2024 at the Egan Center. It is free to attend. 

Those who are already planning to attend the Alaska Grant Symposium should consider attending the AML Infrastructure Development Symposium as well, and vice versa. The events have been scheduled in coordination to ensure participants are able to attend as many sessions as possible during the week’s events.