The Senate Appropriations Committee held two hearings this week to discuss Alaska Native villages affected by flooding and erosion.

The hearings were held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Anchorage. On the first day, federal and state officials and scientists testified. Yesterday focused on Native leaders representing villages, tribes and corporations.

According to a General Accounting Office report, the majority of Alaska Native villages are threatened by flooding and erosion, but few qualify for federal funds under existing guidelines. Some villages are planning to relocate but the costs are high and, in some cases, unknown.

Village leaders cited imminent threats against their communities. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), chairman of the committee, said he would look into ways to address the federal guidelines and obtain funding for climate change studies.

Copies of the testimony can be found at http://appropriations.senate.gov/hearmarkups/topics.cfm?code=hearings.

Get the Story:
Feds hear of erosion quandary (The Anchorage Daily News 7/1)

GAO Report:
Alaska Native Villages: Most Are Affected by Flooding and Erosion, but Few Qualify for Federal Assistance. GAO-04-142 | Highlights

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GAO report reviews funding for Alaska Native villages (12/15)