ALASKA — What better way to watch the success of a $25 million campaign with nearly 60 projects awarded federal funding, than to ensure one of those projects had the sole task of tracking all the rest on an annual basis?

This is how the Alaska Region is setting itself up for success when it comes to understanding the economic impact that investments have made and will continue to make in southeast Alaska through the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy.

The strategy is an initiative undertaken to stimulate the rural economy while promoting sustainable practices. It was launched by USDA in the summer of 2021. Its projects, organizations and funding amounts were announced later in 2022.

One of the projects approved as part of the program is a partnership between the Alaska Region and Southeast Conference. Southeast Conference is the federally designated economic development district for the region, as well as the state-designated Alaska regional development organization. Its mission is to undertake and support activities that promote strong economies, healthy communities and a quality environment.

The organization’s SASS project supports the ongoing success of the strategy and its investments. A key project task is to collaborate with the Alaska region to collect project information, quantify the economic benefits arising from investments and communicate economic success stories.

This monitoring and tracking process also enhances partner relationships and ensures the potential for further projects, contributing to community longevity.

One of the first outputs from the Southeast Conference economic monitoring project is a 15-page report called the Economic Impact of the USDA Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy Investment Spending – 2022. It is now available to the public after its release in September.

Information gathered and analyzed shows that the strategy achieved notable strides in its first year. The awarded projects play a vital role in rural Alaska's economy by injecting nearly $2 million into local communities.

Direct expenditures are $1.3 million. This is 5% of the original $25 million investment. This direct spending generated another $597,710 in indirect and induced activity.

The maiden year allocations funded 17 projects, created 45 part-time and temporary jobs, and generated local wages nearing $800,000 for southeast residents.

In addition to the economic monitoring project with Southeast Conference, other funded SASS investments include storytelling and public engagement, young-growth transitioning, tourism products, a wildland fire program, Alaska Native signage, watershed restoration, youth education and ecotourism opportunities.

Economic sectors with 2022-funded projects include scientific and technical services, administrative services, greenhouse production, fishing and hunting, forestry and logging, research and development, and grant making and social advocacy.

Jobs created included a biomass intern, boat operator, communications director, environmental coordinator, executive director, grant and project manager and natural resources planner.

In addition to this first report, the Alaska Region and the Southeast Conference will conduct annual monitoring of the economic results of these investments for the next five years. The continuous progress of SASS is not only investing in socio-economic development but is also nurturing the fabric of these local communities through project implementation and engagement.

The expected impact in 2023 is predicted to increase as more projects kick-off.