VOL 38 No. 4 | April 15, 2026

Funding for port infrastructure

Webinar | Thursday, April 23 | 11:00 AM - Noon | Register below

SWAMC will host a free information session on the recently announced FY 2026 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) funding opportunity on Thursday, April 23 from 11:00 AM to Noon via Zoom. Aurah Landau, senior financial consultant with HDR, Inc., will provide insights into this competitive funding opportunity, drawing on her proven record supporting Alaskan tribes, communities, non-profits, and agencies in obtaining grants for critical community infrastructure. [ m o r e ]

RPO designation in progress

SWAMC seeks letters of interest from prospective RPO board members

SWAMC is pursuing designation as a Regional Planning Organization (RPO) in partnership with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF).

RPOs are designed to strengthen regional collaboration on transportation planning and infrastructure investment. By becoming an RPO, SWAMC will help ensure that the unique needs of Southwest Alaska communities are better represented in statewide transportation decisions. [ m o r e ]

SWAMC RPO Resolution

Submit a Nottice of Interest

Learn More About RPOs

Economic Geography study

Preliminary numbers illustrate economic flows and linkages between Southwest Alaska, balance of the state, US, and internationally

We are anxiously awaiting the final report on the most recent update to the Southwest Alaska Economic Geography study. Our friends at Northern Economics are putting the final touches on the report which is slated for completion by the end of April.

Melissa Errend and Colleen Young with Northern Economics presented preliminary findings at SWAMC's March Economic Summit.

A one-page summary of the findings is available while we await the final report. Download it here.

Unleashing Tribal energy development

U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Policy and Development issues notice of funding opportunity for $50 million for energy projects intended to lower or stabilize Tribal energy costs, expand energy access, and advance development of energy projects for Tribal economic development. Download the full announement here.