Neera Tanden, Senior Domestic Policy Advisor to President Biden, recently visited the Y-K Delta. Tanden focused on how Biden Administration funding has been utilized in the region and explored opportunities for further support. The group visited YKHC in Bethel, Alaska to review their healthcare projects and Napakiak, Alaska to assess the community retreat project. Napakiak is a village experiencing severe erosion due to its proximity to the Kuskokwim River, exacerbated by climate change, melting permafrost, and rising water. The erosion, which is also being accelerated by frequent storms is putting infrastructure, homes, and the community at risk. Napakiak has been working with various agencies to retreat further inland and has received funding from President Biden’s Administration for this project. During this visit, a community meeting with leaders from AVCP-RHA, YKHC, AVCP, BNC, and ONC was held to discuss current progress and to foster a more collaborative approach moving forward on these projects.

AVCP-RHA CEO Peter Evon:
“We are incredibly grateful to the community of Napakiak for welcoming all of us into their home. It was refreshing and inspiring to witness the resilience of everyone there. Together, we will all continue to work towards ensuring the safety and preservation of this community for generations to come.”

This visit highlights the Biden Administration’s ongoing efforts to support Alaska Native communities through collaborations on climate adaptation and housing.

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For additional information, please contact AVCP RHA Communications Director, Gage Hoffman at 907-543-1345 or email at gage.hoffman@avcphousing.org. The Association of Village Council Presidents Regional Housing Authority (AVCP RHA) was incorporated as a regional housing authority on October 17,1974 to address the housing needs of the AVCP Region. AVCP RHA serves all 48 communities in the Bethel and Kusilvak Census Areas.