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A QMnmionent to Alaskans Rural Strategy 



A CALL TO ACTION. 



After twenty years of trying to address the sanitation needs of rural Alaska, it is clear there 

 are no quick fix solutions. 



The problem is multifaceted. First, our current selection process for detennining which 

 projects will receive grant assistance is short-sighted. Too often the State's annual 

 sanitation funding plan is thrown together during the closing days of the legislative 

 session based upon political criteria rather than need. A long term, stable funding 

 approach has not been available. 



Second, it has become clear that technology alone will not address the water, sewerage, 

 and solid waste needs in rural Alaska. Competent operators , adequate user fees, proper 

 accounting, and the support of a well managed community government are equally vital 

 components to solving sanitation problems. 



Third, demographic, economic, and climatic conditions make sanitation system con- 

 struction and operation in rural Alaska among the most expensive and technically 

 challenging in the world. Yet litde research has been conducted to develop alternatives 

 to expensive and complex piped systems capable of providing an equal level of service. 



Finally, a long term strategic approach to solving rural sanitation needs has never been 

 formulated. Rather, planning has been limited to a one year period and has been based 

 solely upon the outcome of the State capital budget process. This process has proven 

 ineffective. 



As the first step toward addressing these and other related issues and instituting a 

 more unified approach to solving the sanitation problems of rural Alaska, the 

 Department recommends the formation of an Interagency Task Force. This group 

 would act as the catalyst for advancing and refming the goals, strategies and 

 objectives outlined on the following pages. 



16. 



