VISTA Programs
SWAMC currently supports three AmeriCorps*VISTA members serving Southwest Alaska. The three VISTA programs cover Energy, Environment, and Tourism.
Energy Program
Started in December 2005, The SWAMC Energy Project serves as a means to document energy costs, increase energy conservation and efficiency efforts, and facilitate alternative energy development within the SWAMC region. The goal of the Energy Project is to assist southwestern Alaskan communities in lowering energy costs by focusing on energy conservation, investment in renewable energy and cooperative purchasing agreements. The overall objective of the project is to bring stable and affordable energy costs into the SWAMC region in order to spur economic growth.
Environmental Program
Started in December 2007, the SWAMC Environmental Program is focused primarily on solid waste issues. Cost-effective, safe, and ecologically sustainable solid waste disposal is a challenge faced in every community in Southwest Alaska. Isolated communities, unique soil and hydrological conditions, limited infrastructure, and high material costs are only a few of the many hurdles communities must overcome. The goal of SWAMC Environmental is to improve solid waste services in our member communities. Topics of interest include: community recycling programs, scrap metal backhaul, controlled burning and incineration, composting, hazardous waste storage and removal, and electronics waste recycling.
Planning and Research Program
This is a new program in Summer 2009. More details to follow.