Alaskan village receives funds to repair erosion, climate change

BETHEL, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska village of Napakiak received $449,000 in federal funding could help the community respond to erosion and other effects of climate change.

Tribal Administrator David Andrew said the small village has lost 50 feet (more than 15 meters) of its shoreline since May, according to KYUK AM.

A storm destroyed Napakiak’s boat and hovercraft landing, which residents relied on for food and supply deliveries. Andrew said the village has been getting its food flown in ever since, which is much more expensive. Erosion also threatens the community’s school and fuel depot, so Napakiak turned to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for help.

The funding will help the community design and build a new landing for hovercraft, barges, and residents’ boats. Andrew says Napakiak will need more support over the next year.