Montrose Environmental Group Supports Transformation of Indigenous Land in Alaska

Core Insights - Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. is actively involved in brownfields and community revitalization efforts with Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) [1] Group 1: Legislative and Funding Context - The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 transferred 44 million acres of land to twelve regions and over 200 village ANCs, with many areas contaminated from past activities [2] - There are currently 1,278 sites listed in the Contaminated ANCSA Lands Inventory, indicating documented or potential contamination [2] - In 2023, the U.S. Congress allocated $20 million to the EPA to establish the Contaminated ANCSA Lands Assistance Program to address legacy contamination issues [2] Group 2: Montrose's Role and Achievements - Montrose has partnered with ANCs to navigate grant applications and implementation, securing $8 million in EPA Brownfield and Contaminated ANCSA Land Grants throughout 2023 and 2024 [3] - Key components of Montrose's projects include leveraging consulting and engineering services, lab testing, treatment technologies, and emergency preparedness [3] - A significant project involved assisting Cook Inlet Region, Inc. and Tyonek Native Corporation with a successful $3 million EPA grant application for the restoration of the Iniskin Peninsula [3][4] Group 3: Project Outcomes and Economic Impact - Key outcomes of the restoration project include enhanced cultural, subsistence, and recreational use of impacted areas [4] - Reuse plans for the restored areas include renewable energy, resource extraction, and travel and tourism [4] - The projects are expected to provide economic benefits for Alaska Natives and the regional economy [4] Group 4: Future Initiatives - Montrose continues to support ANCs with grant opportunities, including securing funding from a new $2 billion EPA grant program aimed at removing solid and hazardous wastes while delivering nature-based restoration solutions [5]