Accomplishments

SWAMC is engaged in a variety of ongoing and special projects designed to accomplish its mission and provide service to its members and other constituents. Some of SWAMC's notable accomplishments include:

Southwest Alaska Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
The CEDS has been endorsed by municipalities, the State of Alaska, and the U.S. Government. It has been acknowledged as a definitive analysis of the region and is frequently cited in community and comprehensive plans, feasibility studies, grant applications and similar reports and documents.

Fisheries Labor Data Project
SWAMC continues to seek partners to resolve deficiencies in the collection and reporting of fisheries labor data. These deficiencies hamper the regionís ability to fully illustrate the character and challenges of a fisheries ñdependent economy. Lack of comprehensive, reliable data has also proven to be a handicap to recovering from fisheries disasters or disruptions.

The Economic Geography of Southwest Alaska
This study defines the regional interdependencies and describes how the regional economy of Southwest Alaska functions in relation to Southcentral and the rest of the State.

Southwest Alaska Quality of Life Index
A comparative assessment of the standard of living in Southwest Alaska using six indicators: health and safety, the situation for children, education, community and economic resources, the environment, and infrastructure.

Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Program
SWAMC administered a $30 million dollar fund to partially compensate communities, businesses and residents for economic losses sustained during the closure of federal fisheries in 2000. Payouts were made within one year with less than one percent administrative cost.

Southwest Alaska Transportation Plan
SWAMC convened a work group of regional stakeholders to work with the Alaska Department of Transportation and its contractors to provide input and advice on the regional transportation planning process. SWAMC continues to advocate for the full funding and implementation of the plan.

Southwest Alaska Workforce Development Council
The Alaska Workforce Investment Board selected SWAMC as the convener and facilitator of a regional workforce development council to provide advice to the Board and help align workforce and economic development in the region.

Share Your Heritage Workshop
The National Trust for Historic Preservation selected Alaskaís Southwest as one of five regions to conduct cultural heritage tourism workshops around the nation. Thirty stakeholders from the region convened to develop a plan to further advance the regionís cultural tourism resources.

Current & Future Projects

The CEDS Action Plan provides a blueprint for SWAMCís annual program of work. New projects and opportunities for collaboration are implemented based on available funding, resources and partners. A few of the projects that are currently underway or that the Staff is exploring include:

  • Southwest Alaska Rural Energy Project With the assistance of the AmeriCorps*VISTA Program, SWAMC initiated an assessment of ways to reduce regional energy costs through a fuel consortium, renewable/alternative energy advocacy, and end-user efficiency strategies. The energy project began in November of 2005.
  • Project for Environmental Preservation in Southwest Alaska Another AmeriCorps*VISTA Program slated to start in July 2007, PEPSA will address the solid waste issues affecting SWAMC's regional communities. The project will seek solutions to community landfill reduction, marine debris, and the feasibility of a regional recycling plan.
  • Seafood Supply Chain Analysis SWAMC is advocating a technical update to the Southwest Alaska Transportation Plan that will asses funded, planned, and proposed transportation projects based on linkages in the regional seafood supply chain.