Mat-Su Borough Assembly passes ordinance granting Borough Public Libraries access to $41,250.75 of grant money

On November 19th, 2024, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly adopted Ordinance 24-102 which accepted $41,250.75 dollars of grant funding from the State of Alaska for the Online with Libraries Internet Cost Assistance Program. The state-wide program aimed to equip libraries with high-speed internet and computing equipment for assisting with education, employment, and access to various government services.

While the ordinance accepted the money, it never specified where the funds should be appropriated. This meant that even though the money was given to the Borough, it could not be used without proper designation.

At the January 21st, 2025 Borough Assembly meeting, Assemblymembers passed Ordinance 25-006 to fix that mistake. The new ordinance outlined the $41,250.75 would be given to the Big Lake, Sutton, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek and Willow libraries.

The funding will offset internet and equipment costs for the libraries, freeing up some room in their budgets.