NEWS RELEASE

from

Representative Alan Austerman

For Immediate Release: Monday - March 17, 1997; Contact: Rep. Alan Austerman, Juneau Office: 465-2487, Juneau Fax: 465-4956

PORT LIONS & OUZINKIE AWARDED $200,000 EACH IN GRANTS

JUNEAU - The Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, has announced community development grant awards of $200,000 each to the communities of Port Lions and Ouzinkie.

The funding is from the federally sponsored Community Block Grant Program administered by the department. A total of $3.2 million in grants to 24 communities will be disbursed statewide.

Port Lions will utilize the grant monies to renovate their community hall. The plans in Ouzinkie call for the construction of a health clinic.

"Rural communities around the state are particularly concerned about their health and safety. A key component to economic development in any community is providing a basic infrastructure. These projects in Port Lions and Ouzinkie will give them another tool to become more self sufficient," said Representative Austerman.

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