On the occasion of President Obama’s historic visit to Dillingham and Kotzebue, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development Alaska State Director Jim Nordlund today announced the approval of Cooperative Agreements between USDA and the Bristol Bay Native Association in Dillingham, and the Maniilaq Association in Kotzebue.
"The purpose of these agreements is to improve access to USDA-Rural Development’s loan and grant programs to remote and isolated regions of Alaska," said Nordlund. “The Agreement will support Rural Development’s StrikeForce and Community and Economic Development efforts in the Bristol Bay and Northwest Arctic regions, and enhance Native Alaskan business development by leveraging partnerships and resources of diverse institutions and organizations."
"We greatly appreciate the funding and opportunity that USDA-RD has provided us," said Timothy Schuerch, President and CEO of Maniilaq Association. "Maniilaq, as a regional organization that serves the tribes of the Northwest Arctic, is grateful for this opportunity to partner with USDA-RD. This will allow us to provide more information about the loan and grant programs that USDA-RD may offer to our villages that need improved infrastructure. The leadership and staff at Maniilaq are prepared to move forward with this Cooperative Agreement this coming year."
"I’m very pleased to sign this agreement between the USDA-RD and Bristol Bay Native Association," said Ralph Andersen, President and CEO of Bristol Bay Native Association. "It is a positive step toward building a relationship with the agency while helping Bristol Bay Tribes access and increase their use of USDA-RD programs and assistance. It is our hope that it advances the Bristol Bay Regional Vision in the areas of economic development, cooperation, and coordination of projects."