State resources committee asks for money to study Susitna hydro project

The Susitna Dam hydro project was among the projects and programs pushed by the Senate Resources Committee when co-chairs Senator Bill Wielechowski  Senator Lesil McGuire released their recommendations for budget appropriations to help lower energy costs. They propose to spend $10 million for continued feasibility studies and pre-permitting work on Southcentral hydroelectric projects, including Susitna and Chakachamna. They also want to see $25 million put in weatherization programs, $175,000 for a public education campaign to help Alaskans learn how to lower their costs through inexpensive efficiency improvements and $25 million  for the Renewable Energy Fund to follow through on the legislature’s commitment to provide 300 million dollars over 6 years for clean and affordable renewable energy. The senators said that their recommendations are aimed to help Alaskans get out from under crippling energy costs and move communities towards greater energy independence and sustainability.