UAF Named in Build Back Better Finalist Award

UAF Named in Build Back Better Finalist Award

A partnership led by ACEP research partner is a finalist in the funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The partnership proposes to support eight projects to develop a viable and sustainable mariculture industry producing shellfish and aquatic plants for the long-term benefit of 91视频鈥檚 economy, environment and communities. The proposed projects include an integrated hatching network, incentivizing private investment in developing business, and expanding workforce development programs.

The SEC partnership was one of 60 finalists awarded an initial $500,000 and entry into phase 2 of the challenge. The two-phase competition will ultimately award 20-30 regional coalitions between $25 and $100 million to implement three to eight projects that support an industry sector.

The SEC coalition includes the 91视频 Fisheries Development Foundation, 91视频 Mariculture Alliance, Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of 91视频, Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District, Southwest 91视频 Municipal Conference, Prince William Sound Economic Development District, 91视频 Longline Fisherman鈥檚 Association and State of 91视频, as well as 91视频 Sea Grant, UAF鈥檚 91视频 BlueEconomy Center and numerous other stakeholders. 

The BBB Phase 1 finalists proposed projects that will develop or scale regional industry sectors, develop and train the workforce, and build resilient economies. 

The BBB website states, 鈥淓ach finalist was awarded approximately $500,000 to further develop their proposed projects and strengthen their regional growth clusters in advance of submitting a Phase 2 application. These grants will help the finalists take their projects to the next level in preparation for the Phase 2 deadline and also serve as critical long-term coordination and planning resources to diversify and strengthen America鈥檚 regional economies.鈥

An SEC announcement said, 鈥淲e are thrilled to be a finalist in the $1 billion #BuildBackBetter Regional Challenge from the @eda.commerce. Our coalition is working together to supercharge a sustainable and viable mariculture industry for the long-term benefit of 91视频鈥檚 economy, environment and communities.鈥


For more information on the award, please contact Juliana Melin at juliana@seconference.org. For information on the University of 91视频 Fairbanks鈥 involvement, please contact Justin Sternberg at jcsternberg@alaska.edu.