environmental health of communities in rural Alaska. A disconnect currently exists between providing benefits to communities and determining whether or not the programs created to do this are working. BACKGROUND AND HISTORTY Denali Commission and the Solid Waste Program The Denali Commission is an independent federal agency introduced by Congress in 1998 to coordinate the services of the federal government and facilitate in bringing critical infrastructure to Alaska’s remote communities. The agency is designed to provide essential utilities, infrastructure, and economic assistance to communities in Alaska. They are charged with the role of increasing government effectiveness by acting as a catalyst and strategic partner for many federal and state programs in Alaska (DC Annual Report, 2008). The Commission leads the way in coordinating efforts for rural Alaska development by creating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between state and federal agencies. The MOU, which was renewed in 2008, strongly encourages agencies to coordinate capital projects planning and delivery throughout the state. The Commission believes that early dialogue and emphasis on coordination and sensible planning may be their most important contribution (DC Annual Report, 2008). The Solid Waste Program The Commission has several programs, which support their vision of, “fully-developed and well-maintained infrastructure that supports a skilled labor force in a diversified and
environmental health of communities in rural Alaska. A disconnect currently exists between providing benefits to communities and determining whether or not the programs created to do this are working. BACKGROUND AND HISTORTY Denali Commission and the Solid Waste Program The Denali Commission is an independent federal agency introduced by Congress in 1998 to coordinate the services of the federal government and facilitate in bringing critical infrastructure to Alaska’s remote communities. The agency is designed to provide essential utilities, infrastructure, and economic assistance to communities in Alaska. They are charged with the role of increasing government effectiveness by acting as a catalyst and strategic partner for many federal and state programs in Alaska (DC Annual Report, 2008). The Commission leads the way in coordinating efforts for rural Alaska development by creating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between state and federal agencies. The MOU, which was renewed in 2008, strongly encourages agencies to coordinate capital projects planning and delivery throughout the state. The Commission believes that early dialogue and emphasis on coordination and sensible planning may be their most important contribution (DC Annual Report, 2008). The Solid Waste Program The Commission has several programs, which support their vision of, “fully-developed and well-maintained infrastructure that supports a skilled labor force in a diversified and
Natalia-Lau.docx