Southeast Conference has been hard at work in 2024!

 Here are a few of the highlights from the past year! (Download Full Report - SEC Project Updates)

#10

27 Workers trained in Cordwood boiler system operation & maintenance

#9

50 Students currently enrolled in UA’s BBB Mariculture Programs

#8

16 Microgrants awarded through the SE Alaska Sustainable Strategy (SASS) Program

#7

MOA signed with the State of AK to advance the Low/No Emissions Vessel Project

#6

$60,000 Given to the UA Foundation for student scholarships

#5

More then $7M awarded through BBB grants in new Mariculture Projects

#4

$500,000 From Denali Commission for regional solid waste plan

#3

$38.6M From EPA for heat pumps in coastal communities

#2

SEC's project portfolio has grown to 35 grants totaling more then $116M towards strong economies, sustainable communities, and a healthy environment in SE Alaska

#1

SEC Staff doubled in 2024 with 10 New Hires Fun Fact: 6/10 have names

that begin with "C"

Don't let the holiday blues get you down!

Mid-Session Summit & Transportation Symposium Registration Opens Jan 2!

Start 2025 off with impact by registering for Southeast Conference's Mid-Session Summit & Transportation Symposium! Our conference is scheduled to coincide with the Alaska Legislative Session and will be held in Juneau at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, February 11-13. This year's event will serve to keep you informed on the latest across many different industry areas as well as provide networking opportunities amongst the region's elected, municipal, business and tribal leaders. Hope to see you there!

Southeast Conference has been working on developing the 2030 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) since March 2024 and is getting close to having a full draft completed. Through the prioritization exercise at SEC annual meeting and industry specific SWOT analysis, 46 objectives and 6 priority objectives have been identified to be included in this version of the CEDS, which will guide the region for the next five years.

With the seafood industry experiencing momentous challenges in recent years due to significantly depressed prices and rising costs, it is no surprise the region identified 8 total objectives including two priority objectives related to seafood. I, along with other members of the special projects team, have been working closely with ASMI and AFDF to develop action plans for the two seafood priority objectives identified that will provide a strategy for building stronger more resilient seafood industry over the next five years. I have also been reviewing and updating the other seafood objectives to help ensure alignment with industry goals. After over a decade in the seafood industry, it has been fun to put everything I learned to work in a new way and hope the CEDS can be a tool to help the seafood industry through difficult times.

Southeast Conference is working towards kicking-off the public comment period shortly after SEC’s Mid-Session Summit and Transportation Symposium.

RURAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

The Denali Commission is inviting statements of interest for rural Alaska transportation projects in need of local match or gap funding assistance. Many Alaskan communities lack the tax base or resources necessary to meet cost share requirements. This opportunity seeks to provide funding to cover local match needs or address funding gaps, facilitating the completion of surface transportation projects and supporting infrastructure development in rural communities.

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

The Denali Commission is inviting statements of interest for rural Alaska infrastructure projects in need of local match or non-federal cost share for other federal funding. Many Alaska communities lack the tax base or resources necessary to meet cost share requirements. This opportunity aims to provide financial support to meet local match requirements, enabling infrastructure projects in rural areas that often face challenges in securing funding for critical needs such as energy, healthcare, community wellness, climate resilience, broadband, housing, and sanitation. Please note that transportation projects are not eligible for this opportunity.

SEASWA RFP

The Southeast Alaska Solid Waste Authority (SEASWA), in collaboration with Southeast Conference (SEC), has received Federal grant funding to develop a MSW strategy for Southeast Alaska. SEC, on behalf of SEASWA, invites proposals for the research and mapping of MSW disposal needs in Southeast Alaska, research of MSW disposal best practices being used in other parts of Alaska and the Lower 48, and work with SEC and SEASWA to develop a strategy for efficiently managing MSW within and between communities in the region. The final work product will be used by communities in the region to guide cost effective long-term disposal practices.

UA Workforce Survey

Do you employ carpenters, cement masons, electricians, ironworkers, operating engineers, piledrivers, plumbers, pipefitters, or truck drivers? The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Research Division and Civil Rights Office have formed a collaborative partnership with the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to conduct this workforce survey to better understand Alaska's workforce pipeline. Closes December 31st. Bonus: Participants can receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

CFEC Modernization Survey

The Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) has released the first in a series of surveys as part of its 50th Anniversary Technology Modernization effort. Reach out to Glenn Haight with any questions: glenn.haight@alaska.gov

Be Part of the Solution!

Our membership makes up the base of the SEC Committees. Stay informed and weigh-in on the issues facing the industries that matter the most to you! Visit https://www.seconference.org/membership/.