The Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority (THRHA) held a meeting in Wrangell last week, on Jan. 23, to give an update on a project they have been working on to reduce the cost of living for low-income tribal citizens. Thanks to an ICDBG grant they received in 2018, or Indian Community Development Block Grant, they are working to renovate 20 homes across Wrangell to make them more energy efficient. According to the presentation, about $34,000 will be spent on each home.
Director of Tribal Services Desiree Jackson explained that the goal is to reduce utility costs of these homes from an estimated $8,000 a year to somewhere between $4,000 to $4,500. They plan to do this by renovating the homes with better electrical work, plumbing, and other various repairs. This rehabbing project will not only help the homeowners save money, but it will also make staying in Wrangell more appealing and help the community as a whole.
Director of Administration Ken Southerland was present at the meeting, as well. He wanted to ensure everybody present that the THRHA took its work seriously, and that ethics and efficiency were their top priorities with this project. Procurements and awarding of contracts would be put online for public viewing, and the information would also be shared with the Wrangell Cooperative Association. A lot of attention was being devoted to keeping the whole process open and free of any conflicts of interest, he said.
So far, 14 homes have gone through the application process, according to Jackson. The plan is to approve the applications of the last six homes this February. The procurement process for electrical and plumbing work, and construction materials, is projected to begin in March. The actual work on these homes will take place from April to December. The ICDBG grant lasts for two years, so all of 2020 will be devoted to paperwork and checking on the 20 homes to ensure the work was all done properly.
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