Alaska Native villages continue to face threats from erosion and flooding but the federal government has made little progress addressing the issue, the Government Accountability Office said on Wednesday.

In 2003, the GAO identified more than 200 villages in danger, with some facing "imminent" threats. But only one village out of 12 has made progress towards relocating, the new report said.

Funding remains a major issue for villages because some don't qualify for existing federal programs, the GAO said. The report recommends Congress allow villages to qualify for Community Development Block Grants at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Villages can qualify for federal funding -- but only after suffering a disaster, the GAO noted. The report recommends Congress designate a lead agency to help villages coordinate disaster and relocation plans.

The report said climate change continues to affect villages. Some are in danger of falling into the sea due to rising temperatures.

Get the Story:
Federal report says villages need better help in relocating (The Anchorage Daily News 6/4)

GAO Report:
Alaska Native Villages: Limited Progress Has Been Made on Relocating Villages Threatened by Flooding and Erosion | Summary

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

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