The $15 million in this year’s spending bill is just a fraction of what Newtok needs to fund its relocation. But village leaders say it’s crucial seed money that will make everything else possible.
Rachel Waldholz, Alaska’s Energy Desk
Congress poised to approve $15M for village relocation in Alaska
The spending bill would double the budget of the Denali Commission, which funds infrastructure in rural Alaska. The commission says virtually all the new money will go to relocating the eroding village of Newtok.
Feds approve $1.7M to buy out homes in Newtok
A state official said the grant program is crucial because the erosion in Newtok and other Alaska villages does not qualify for traditional disaster relief.
In Western Alaska, there’s water where there should be ice
Last week, social media across Western Alaska lit up as residents posted photos and videos of open water where, normally, there’s ice.
Tsunami warning prompts hundreds of Alaskans to evacuate to higher ground
Alaskans across the state woke up to the shaking and an emergency alert buzzing their cell phones, warning them to move away from the coast.
New York City sues oil industry over climate change
New York City is suing five oil and gas companies — including Alaska’s top three oil producers — seeking to hold them responsible for damages caused by climate change.