Every year, the State of Alaska receives more than $2 billion in federal funding. The amount the state receives is determined by the once-a-decade U.S. Census count. A single Alaskan missed in the U.S. Census count can equate to $29,590 in federal funding deprived from the state over the next 10 years (“Counting for Dollars 2020”, The George Washington University).
Federal funding is a major driver for economic development in rural communities such as Haines. U.S. Department of Transportation funds are used locally on the Haines Highway project and support, in part, the Alaska Marine Highway System. The U.S. Health Resource and Services Administration funds SEARHC’s Sliding Discount Program to provide health services to our local Haines & Klukwan citizens. The National School Lunch Program provides low-cost or free lunches to our school children and the Bureau of Indian Affairs funds the Chilkoot Indian Association to develop strategies for changes in Eulachon and sockeye fish populations.
Completing the 2020 Census ensures the continued support of federal funding to our community. Respond online today at 2020census.gov or at the HEDC office in Bell’s Store on 2nd Avenue, Tuesday – Friday from 9am to 4pm.