Projects funded by the Denali Commission through this grant were selected from approved projects on the Denali Commission Work Plan and include improvements and replacements of bulk fuel storage and handling facilities and electric distribution system improvements in remote Alaskan villages.
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
The Denali Commission reports that more than 100 communities in rural Alaska have benefitted from USDA grant funds supporting the Denali rural power system and bulk fuel storage tank replacements and upgrade program.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds must be used for energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving rural communities where average residential energy expenditures are at least 275 percent of the national average.
Grant must be in coordination with State rural development initiatives.
Planning and administrative expenses must not exceed 4 percent of the grant amount.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
The Denali Commission, a Federal Agency is the only eligible applicant.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Beneficiaries are residents of rural communities in Alaska with extremely high energy costs. Eligible beneficiary communities must apply for assistance directly to the Denali Commission and eligible projects must be on Denali Commission Annual Approved Work Plan.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Denali Commission submits a letter of application under a Memorandum of Understanding with USDA.
Award Procedures
Approval of the Denali request for grant funds is made by the Administrator.
Deadlines
None.
Authorization
Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, Title I, Section 19, Public Law 106-472, 114 Stat. 2058, 7 U.S.C. 918a.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Not applicable.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grant funds are for three years and may be extended.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
The Denali Commission will provide a summary of projects approved, rural communities served, and an accounting of expenditures made under each grant in its annual report.
Audits
The Denali Commission is subject to audit requirements for Federal agencies and maintains its books and records in accordance with Federal requirements of OMB Circular A-34.
Records
The Denali Commission maintains its books and records in accordance with Federal requirements of OMB Circular A-34.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-0400-0-1-452.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $15,000,000; FY 08 est. $15,000,000; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Grant awards have ranged from $10,000,000 to $18,500,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
7 CFR part 1709.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Administrator, Rural Development Utilities Programs, Washington, DC 20250-1500. Telephone: (202) 720-9540. Use the same number for FTS.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The Agency Administrator makes a grant award based on Denali Letter of Request and Denali Annual Work Plan.
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