HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2022-01 Solar Feasibility GrantNative Village of Eklutna Tribal Council Resolution 2022- Page 1 of 2
26339 Eklutna Village Road • Chugiak, Alaska 99567 • (907) 668-6020 • Fax (907) 688-6021 • www.eklutna-nsn.gov
Native Village of Eklutna
Tribal Government
Resolution 2022-01
Eklutna Village Solar Energy Project Feasibility Study Grant
A resolution to apply for a Department of Energy (DOE) grant to assess
the feasibility of a solar energy project in the gravel mine on Eklutna, Inc.
property just west of Eklutna Village.
WHEREAS, Native Village of Eklutna is a distinct, independent political community and as
such is qualified to exercise powers of self-governance by reason of its original tribal
sovereignty as passed down from ancestors since time immemorial; and
WHEREAS, Idlughet Qayeht’ana utilized their collective indigenous sovereign powers to re-
organize into a Tribal Council form of government in 1961, named “Native Village of Eklutna”
that is neither a profit nor non-profit corporation; and
WHEREAS, Native Village of Eklutna is a traditional tribal government recognized by citizens,
tribes, ANCSA Corporations, and others; it is federally recognized as “Eklutna Native Village”
by the United States in 26 U.S.C. section 7871, Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act of
1982, confirmed by Congress in the 1994 Tribal List Act; and
WHEREAS, the Constitution of Native Village of Eklutna, approved by the Eklutna Tribal
Membership on January 27, 1996, and amended on January 29, 2000, designates the Tribal
Council as the governing body, with the sovereign powers of Eklutna vested in “the Council”
including specific and general powers; and
WHEREAS, Eklutna, Inc. CEO has offered to develop a cooperative grant application, with NVE
to apply for a DOE grant to conduct a solar energy feasibility study for the former Site One
gravel mine on Eklutna, Inc. property just west of the Village, and EI has even committed to
contribute $7,500 for a project total of $30,000.; and
WHEREAS, NVE’s role in a potential solar energy project is yet to be determined, NVE has
long hoped for a garden in the gravel mines. ETCD (Eklutna Tribal Conservation District, with
Board representation from NVE and EI) could maintain cover crops under the solar panels.
This would help control weeds, and could provide economic benefits and produce for Eklutna
people.; and
Native Village of Eklutna Tribal Council Resolution 2022- Page 2 of 2
26339 Eklutna Village Road • Chugiak, Alaska 99567 • (907) 668-6020 • Fax (907) 688-6021 • www.eklutna-nsn.gov
WHEREAS, A feasibility report will be contracted to provide solar data, electrical
interconnection options, financial and production modeling, permitting considerations, and
optimal site design among other deliverables. The study period may last up to 12 months to
obtain the solar energy data needed. Monitoring equipment would be located at the project
site during the study period and Eklutna people could be hired to monitor the equipment.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Native Village of Eklutna Traditional Tribal Council
supports a resolution to apply for a Department of Energy (DOE) grant to assess the
feasibility of a solar energy project in the gravel mine on Eklutna, Inc. property just west of
Eklutna Village
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, President Aaron Leggett, and in his absence Vice President
Maria Coleman are authorized to sign any and all documents pertinent to implementing this
project.
By a vote of 5 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, and 2 absent, this resolution was duly approved by
poll vote on this 14th day of January 2022.
__________________________________________ _________________________________________
Aaron Leggett, Tribal Council President Dorothy Cook, Tribal Council Secretary