Regional energy upgrades

The Denali Commission awarded Kawerak, Inc. $10 million on March 1, 2026, under the Denali Commission Program (CFDA 90.100) for Regional Energy Upgrades in Alaska. The project runs through December 31, 2031, with performance in Alaska.

Kawerak, Inc., a federally recognized Alaska Native tribal consortium based in Nome representing 20 tribes across the Bering Strait, Norton Sound, and Yukon regions, will deliver energy infrastructure improvements to support communities in western Alaska. The organization brings substantial prior experience in energy development, having received over $1.7 million in Tribal Energy Development Capacity grants from the Bureau of Indian Affairs for geothermal utility development and feasibility studies, Department of Energy awards for geothermal district heating and cooling system design, and Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service grants for high-energy-cost community energy solutions.

Kawerak maintains an extensive federal grant portfolio spanning transportation, environmental remediation, early childhood services, victim services, workforce development, and infrastructure. The recipient manages multiple sub-grant pass-throughs and has served as a sub-recipient on federal awards from prime grantees including the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, State of Alaska entities, university systems, and research organizations across health services, workforce development, cultural research, and community infrastructure.