Comments on: Voices from the Flats – Ann Strongheart Wants Answers, and You Can Help!

By: Ivy Freeborn

Ivy Freeborn — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:32:50 +0000

I wrote an email too, to the three of them. Twelve hours after I sent it, I received the “automated” response from Tara Jollie. Seems like she doesn’t know what “automated” really means.

By: AnnetaB

AnnetaB — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:26:19 +0000

I sent an email to the three people listed in the blog entry. This is the reply I got from Tara Jolie’s office:

“I will be out of the office until October 22. If you are emailing about fuel supplies in remote Alaska, this is the most current information as of October 9, 2009.

The Division of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA) is working to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available in Alaska’s remote, off road, villages. To that end, DCRA has made, and continues to make, an intense effort to contact off road communities regarding the status of fuel deliveries to their community. DCRA does not influence the selling price of fuel.

DCRA has identified 583 entities that cannot receive fuel delivery via the road system. These entities include Cities, Village Councils, Corporations and Schools that must stockpile large amounts of fuel for winter use. As of 9/29, DCRA has made 1,188 attempts to contact these entities. Of the 583 total entities, DCRA has successfully contacted 517, or 89%. Of the 583, 442, or 76%, report they have received their winter supply of fuel, or are in their normal cyclic delivery schedule with either a source internal or external to the community. Our work continues.”

In my absence please direct questions to Scott Ruby, DCRA Deputy Director. Scott may be reached at 269-4569 or at scott.ruby@alaska.gov.

Tara Jollie
Director
Division of Community and Regional Affairs

So, essentially, I get to write another email and wonder if anyone is going to bother replying. Gee, Alaska, isn’t it time to get new people in your government?

By: Writing from Alaska

Writing from Alaska — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 05:24:55 +0000

on it.

By: Claw Washout Palin

Claw Washout Palin — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:04:43 +0000

Representative–correction

By: Claw Washout Palin

Claw Washout Palin — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:01:06 +0000

Ann, is there an Alaskan Board you can join or be elected to? Representive Strongheart( Rural Alaskan Affairs) would be a good title for you.

By: ColoradoToo

ColoradoToo — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:47:35 +0000

I came across a problem before I left my previous job at a large insurance company. In order to stop a semi-illegal practice I had to go to the following:
Gov, State Reps, and Fed Reps. I have found when appealing to the government to get something done lots of facts help.
How many people went last year that you know of with inadequate fuel? Can you give an example of a person/family other than you that went through a hardship last year preferably with young kids? Is there any outside organization or part of the Indian Reservation that has done any follow-up or research on the problem?
It is easy for representatives of the government to dismiss emails it is harder for them to dismiss facts and examples.

By: Alaska Pi

Alaska Pi — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:43:05 +0000

28 AKPetMom-
loved the “logjam” thingy…

The September report identifies some problems for some areas and we are hoping those things have been attended to.
It is also important to note that Ann is asking about whether the costs for consumers after fuel is delivered will be bearable. Much of the fuel is for electricity generation, much is for folks to purchase for their own heating systems.

Who knows how this will all shake out this year, who we really need to ask that last question, and so on, but we want much more open communication with state agencies and personnel this year…

Phhht on waiting to find out neighbors are in trouble in January again….

By: AKPetMom

AKPetMom — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:19:12 +0000

Thanks Alaska Pi. I just wasn’t quite sure about where the “logjam” was regarding fuel shipments. Quite frankly I wasn’t certain if it was because of lack of funds or weather or gov’t not doing what it should.

Thanks again for the links and for the info!

By: Alaska Pi

Alaska Pi — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:13:43 +0000

@26 AKPetMom-

People are very aware of the Fund and per Governor Parnell’s instructions, the state IS trying to do outreach this year to be sure folks get loans and/or fuel in a timely manner.
It is the lack of followup by the office charged with overseeing this which rankles at this point…

This is the Kyle Hopkins Rural Blog entry Ann references…
———————————
http://community.adn.com/node/143701

“This year, the state’s keeping tabs on villages across Alaska to try and prevent missed barges or payment problems, said Scott Ruby, deputy director of the Division of Community and Regional Affairs.

Lately, low water has threatened shipments to half a dozen villages. On the Kuskokwim, for example, McGrath and nearby Takotna will almost certainly miss their barge
————————————————

By: AKPetMom

AKPetMom — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:55:27 +0000

Is there any person here from a village that participates in this program?

http://www.akenergyauthority.org/programsloan.html

It’s the Bulk Fuel Revolving Loan Fund.

I realize that many are talking about whether the fuel will be able to get to the rural communities, payment available or not. However, is every community that is eligible taking part in the loan program for fuel?

Is there anyone in your community that files this paperwork regarding fuel loans to insure heating fuel for the winter? Does this program even work?

I’m just curious as it seems like an option for communities concerned about winter heating.