Funds recently awarded to the University of Alaska (UA) by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will help establish and operate centers for cooperative development with rural and urban businesses throughout Alaska. A total of $4.3 million will help fund cooperative development centers and related activities in 20 states. UA received an $185,363 piece of the pie.

Cooperative programs are designed to improve quality of life while expanding the overall economic condition of rural areas. Providing the needed services in these isolated communities present solutions to many economic and social problems. These programs are especially important to the growth of Alaska as nearly half of the state?s population reside in rural areas.

Established in 1992, UA?s Center for Economic Development (UACED) promotes development efforts throughout the state. The Center is funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, with additional support from the University of Alaska. The Center is now a program of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER). ISER is part of UAA?s College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP).

The Alaska Cooperative Development Program (ACDP), a program of the UACED, is dedicated to enhancing economic development in rural Alaska by establishing new cooperatives and strengthening existing cooperatives. The program will be implemented statewide and will provide technical assistance, develop strategies and provide the tools and philosophy needed to nurture cooperative ventures. The primary target groups include fisheries and mariculture groups, arts and crafts producers, small and beginning agricultural producers, and energy providers.

Partners include the Alaska Small Business Development Center, Alaska Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Manufacturing Extension Program, local tribal and municipal governments, Alaska Regional Development organizations, the Community Development Quota groups, Resource Conservation and Development Districts, State of Alaska, Alaska Economic Development Administration, USDA Rural Development, and Denali Commission.

For more information visit http://ced.uaa.alaska.edu/.