Hydrokinetic power project: $4mThis project is designed to determine the feasibility of utilizing hydropower technology as a viable alternative energy source for our community and climate. This could also serve as a template for other remote Alaskan communities. Updates to Hydro Power Project
A team from the University of Alaska, Anchorage joined WCA to conduct a velocity study in the Tanana River to determine the speeds that could be expected. Results were very encouraging, as the team was able to measure speeds of up to 12 ft/second, surpassing the expected speed of 8 ft/second.
September 2010 - WCA received its letter of permission from the US Army Corp of Engineers to deploy a RISEC device into the Tanana River for testing bringing WCA a step closer to the goal of finding a viable energy source for the community.
WCA is pleased to announce the award of $142,000 from the Department of Energy for the completion of the engineering and feasibility studies for the proposed RISEC device. January 17, 2011 - WCA filed a draft hydrokinetic pilot project license application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Whitestone Poncelet RISEC Project.
August 19, 2011 - WCA filed a draft hydrokinetic pilot project license application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Whitestone Poncelet RISEC Project.
April 26, 2012 - WCA filed a hydrokinetic pilot project license application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Whitestone Poncelet RISEC Project.
October 2012 - Whitestone Power & Communications received their pilot project license from FERC.
Improved winter road access: $500kThe proposed project will upgrade the road construction practices in order to increase the amount of time the winter road can be accessed. Additionally, this project would improve the reliability of equipment and provide increased training for community members to maintain the road as well as researching traffic patterns and planning for optimum long-term road placement. WCA has already had preliminary surveying done and is pursuing the necessary permitting to improve the existing crossing. Grader Grant
WCA was recently awarded a grant from USDA for the purchase of a new grader. This is a necessary step in upgrading and maintaining the present infrastructure particularly aiding in the construction and maintenance of the winter road.
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Emergency Response facility: $2mAlthough there are some individuals trained for EMS, this 200 member community has no facility for emergency services and very few supplies. The goal of this project is to create and equip a central facility to provide EMS, fire and water rescue services as well as offering emergency response training for community members.
EMS Update
WCA was awarded a transport truck as well as such much needed supplies by Code Blue. Currently the community has an EMTIII, EMTII and several trained ETT responders and CPR certified volunteers, several of whom are actively pursuing higher certification. Although there is still the need for a facility, WCA is encouraged by the progress taken in upgrading the safety issues of the community.
August 15, 2011 -Whitestone EMS has received news that the patient transport boat project was approved in Code Blue Phase 11. The procurement process has begun and we are confident that we will have the boat by next summer. This boat will be dedicated to transporting people during emergencies as well as for rescue situations on the river.
March 2012 - Whitestone EMS received the transport truck and rescue boat. Crews are being trained in the operation and maintenance of both truck and boat to keep them in a state of readiness.
Whitestone EMS also now leases space from WCA for an EMS facility. This new facility offers not only a place to store much needed equipment, but also space to house the transport vehicles and conduct training. Gymnasium/ Multi-use facility: $5-6mWith long winters, prolonged periods of cold temperatures and limited road access, a gymnasium/multi-use facility would offer safe, accessible space for physical fitness, community activities and a variety of educational programs that meet the community’s needs. Waste water treatment plant: $5mAs the community grows and offers more resources, expanding the way waste water is managed gains priority. To prevent issues of possible contamination and excessive chemical infiltration into the soil, a water treatment plant will be necessary.
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