Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $645,900 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Tourism in Northwest Alaska Through Historic Preservation Planning

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $645,900 grant to Kawerak, Inc., Nome, Alaska, to boost tourism in northwest Alaska by aiding the development of a master plan for preservation of Pilgrim Hot Springs. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will support planning for the preservation of Pilgrim Hot Springs and its future development as a tourist destination.

“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is an important part of many local economies across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will lay the foundation for future tourism infrastructure in northwest Alaska to support related business and job growth.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.