Project Grant 077907901

This $9.5 million Economic Development Administration Project Grant supports the Alaska Mariculture Cluster led by the Southeast Conference. The Cluster will boost Alaska's mariculture industry through catalyzing sustainable shellfish and seaweed production. Funding will capitalize a revolving loan fund to facilitate business expansion, develop mariculture-focused workforce training programs, and provide research funding to grow innovative seaweed and shellfish products. The Coalition will partner with Sealaska Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation, to ensure the Cluster's approach centers priorities of tribal, rural, and underserved communities. Once implemented, the investment aims to strengthen regional industry clusters while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness globally. Awarded September 8, 2022, the funding falls under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program administered by the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, which provides technical, planning, and infrastructure assistance to regions experiencing adverse economic changes.