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CaptionJulia Hnilicka, Alaska State Director for USDA Rural Development, gets to fly co-pilot on an overfull plane.
RPN is a rather new federal program, and Alaska’s team has been on board since April. They answer phone calls from residents and community leaders who want to know about federal programs that might help their community fulfill its plans to strengthen their economy and serve the welfare of their community members.
FEATUREDAlaska is just different
Overview
Rural Alaska is a wild and abundant place, full of vibrant cultures and formidable wildlife. Indigenous peoples have been the stewards of this land, sea, and air since time immemorial.
The vast landscape of mountain ranges, waterways, and distance means people can’t just drive to the nearest large town to obtain essential services. Most villages are not connected to the road system. In fact, 86 percent of Alaska's communities cannot be reached by road; this means the movement of goods and people is not only difficult, but costly. For many communities, supplies must be transported by boat or airplane. To obtain advanced education, training, medical care, or other services, residents must travel by air to the nearest regional hub community like Fairbanks, Juneau, Bethel, or Anchorage.
Rural Alaska is where our underserved and persistent poverty communities are located, along with repeat disaster losses and significant climate change risks. Rural Alaska is also home to a large senior population and most of our aging infrastructure.
The Rural Partners Network is listening to local voices and supporting these rural communities as they work to build resilience, infrastructure, services, and economic opportunity.
Community Networks in Alaska
Nome Region (page coming soon)
Southeast Alaska (page coming soon)
Interior Alaska (page coming soon)
Southwest Alaska (page coming soon)

Recent News from Alaska
Water hookups come to Akiachak, and residents are thrilled to be rid of honey buckets
USDA Rural Partners Network visits rural Western Alaskan communities
USDA Rural Development Funding for a Hotel, Helicopter, and Seafood Processor
Hokulea to begin 1st leg of Alaska Heritage Sail
National lab helping GVEA replace Healy 2 power with wind energy
Rural Partner Network Contacts for Alaska
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Julia Hnilicka
USDA Rural Development State Director -
Jennifer Rachels
Lead Community Liaison