Economy

The Bethel Community Service Foundation has eight $2,000 grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund to help nonprofits and businesses that are on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The article originally appeared on Alaska Public Media. 

According to documents filed in federal court, Alaska’s largest rural airline is $90 million in debt and could be forced to sell its assets and shut down permanently. This would put rural travel and supply lines in peril unless the government or new investors come to the aid of the bankrupt company.

The Orutsararmiut Native Council in Bethel has chosen a new executive director: longtime Bethel resident, and current city council member, Mark Springer. Springer is not Alaska Native, but he doesn’t think that’s a problem. He says that his experience in politics and nonprofits will help the tribe continue its goals to provide for its members.

Small businesses in the Y-K Delta that are struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic should apply for forgivable loans paid for by the $2.2 trillion CARES Act. It may be confusing how much money is available, how you can apply, and when you would receive those funds. 

Quinhagak community leaders are asking the State of Alaska to close sport fishing in the waterways of the Kuskokwim Bay this summer. The request precedes an appeal from Dillingham city and tribal leaders asking the governor to close Bristol Bay’s commercial salmon fishery.

Alaska Airlines says that it will keep flying to all the communities it currently serves. The company issued a news release stating this commitment after Ravn Air Group’s abrupt announcement that it would end all flights, lay off employees, and file for bankruptcy.

Virus or not, the U.S. Census is underway. Americans are going online, to the phone, and to the mailbox to complete the once-a-decade questionnaire. But so far, Alaska has the lowest response rate of any state in the union.

After announcing a drastic cut to service last week, RavnAir Group said on April 5 that it would park all 72 of its planes, lay off its remaining staff, and file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.