The COVID-19 public health crisis and resulting economic crisis have put state, local, and tribal governments under unprecedented strain. The Treasury Department has provided needed relief to state, local, and Tribal governments to enable them to continue to support public health response and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable economic recovery.
The Tatitlek Corporation received funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) that needed to be expended by December 30, 2021. As a recipient of these funds, TTC was responsible for compliance with the strict statute guidance and extensive reporting requirements.
In close collaboration with legal and audit experts, the leadership team worked diligently to create the following programs outlined in this booklet.
TTC’s objectives were to:
- Assist shareholders impacted by COVID by providing funding and programs
- Assist the Village of Tatitlek non-profits and local governments in COVID mitigation, health and safety issues
- Recoup money spent by TTC on COVID mitigation and programs
Family Assistance
The Program provided eligible shareholders with financial assistance in the amount of $1,750 and $1,000 per descendant under the age of 18, to cover medical expenses, lost wages, rent/mortgage assistance, utility/fuel costs, water/food security costs, subsistence hunting/fishing supplies, etc. or other losses incurred between March 1, 2020, through December 30, 2021, and were not previously reimbursed by any other Alaska Native Corporation, tribal government, local or state government, or other CARES Act program, such as the Paycheck Protection Program or CARES Act grants from tribes or local governments.
Business Assistance
Small Business COVID Relief Program (the “Small Business Program”) provided eligible TTC shareholders that have 51% ownership in a small businesses with financial assistance (“Small Business Financial Assistance”) for necessary and unbudgeted expenses and losses incurred (up to $2,500) due to the COVID-19 pandemic from March 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021, and that have not already been reimbursed as part of a similar application for state, local, or federally-funded COVID-19-related assistance programs.
Utility Assistance
The Program provided eligible shareholders with financial assistance in the amount of $750 (a “Utility Grant”) for necessary utility expenses that the eligible shareholder is having difficulty paying because of negative COVID-19 pandemic impacts or losses incurred between March 1, 2020, through December 30, 2021, and were not previously reimbursed by any other Alaska Native Corporation, tribal government, local or state government, or other CARES Act program, such as the Paycheck Protection Program or CARES Act grants from tribes or local governments.
Individual Health and Food Security Relief Program
TTC provided a chest freezer, laptop, and HEPA air filter to each shareholder for pick-up in Anchorage or Tatitlek, AK. The items were used to increase food security and protect against supply chain disruptions; to increase access to health care, virtual work and attend classes; and to aid in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Village Infrastructure Programs
Tatitlek, the root of our community, is a coastal village nestled in the Prince William Sound at the foot of Copper Mountain and behind Bligh Island. The home to many shareholders and descendants, it is the center of our traditional and subsistence lifestyle. Tatitlek is a place filled with rich cultural, ancestral ties and fond memories.
Only accessible by air and sea, this community faces unique challenges for some of the basic needs such as food, heat, and water. Any disruption to these services can have devastating effects for our small communities that already have limited access to healthcare. When the pandemic arrived in Alaska, we braced ourselves for outbreaks in rural areas. TTC was prepared to respond with the following solutions to assist the community in preparing, recovering, and responding to the public health crisis.
Food Security Program
The pandemic severely limited medical travel and charter flights into the Tatitlek community. With no local stores and limited and expensive air cargo, this put a strain on the food supply. The Food Security Program provided 6 food deliveries that included essential food and cleaning items to the households in Tatitlek.
Temporary Isolation Housing
TTC installed 2 four-unit dorm style housing units in the Village of Tatitlek to serve as temporary quarantine housing as well as temporary housing for visiting healthcare workers and other providers working to respond to and mitigate risks of COVID.
Clinic Renovation
TTC was able to partner with CAC and Chugachmiut to fund the Tatitlek Clinic Renovation. The new facility will extend health care services to include an emergency room, isolation treatment room, handicap access, and a garage for the ambulance.
Wellness Center
The Wellness Center was one of the first wellness and fitness centers installed in Tatitlek. The center provides workout equipment for respiratory therapy and physical and mental health and is set for completion in 2022.
Emergency Supply Storage
The Emergency Supply Storage unit was delivered to include medical supplies, disinfection equipment, and personal protection equipment (PPE) to make sure the community can respond to the COVID pandemic and supply chain issues.
Fire / Paramedic Truck
Tatitlek did not have a working fire / paramedic truck in the community. The truck will be equipped with a trauma response kit and AED to increase the capacity and ability of the Emergency Response Team In Tatitlek.
Water System / Infrastructure Projects
TTC was able to acquire and deliver over 3,200 tons of gravel and rock to the Village of Tatitlek to use for replacement of water lines, road repairs, and other projects.
We were also able to secure water system supplies and equipment to fix leaks and upgrade reliability and minimize waste in the local water system. Work on these projects will continue through 2022.
