Tribal Utility Support Program
The Tribal Utility Support program provides technical assistance and training to water and sewer system operators and managers. Through grants to regional health organizations and classroom assistance, Sustained Operations staff offer training courses across Alaska.
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While examining the float switches in the Clark's Point water storage tank, Utility Operations Consultant Paul Gabbert (right) discusses pressure system operation with Water Plant Operator Tom Egbert (left) and Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation Remote Maintenance Worker Paul Arne (center). Photo by Daniel Porter, 2004. |
Local construction jobs are often hard to find in rural Alaska, but are important to the economic development of communities. With this type of training, residents in rural areas develop the expertise needed for jobs. Employers are able to hire local residents when construction projects call for such skills. It's a win-win situation for workers and employees, and it benefits the local economy.
DEHE's utility operations consultants provide both operational and managerial advice and support to communities throughout the state to ensure that water and sewer systems run efficiently. In small villages like Clark's Point (population 69), the operators often have several other responsibilities. Consequently, it is crucial for the sanitation systems to be dependable, easy to maintain, and inexpensive to operate.
Alaska Utility Supply Center
Tribal Utility Support also manages the Alaska Utility Supply Center (AUSC), a "one-stop shopping" resource for village operators. Materials and equipment for maintenance and operation of village water and sewer systems are available at discounted prices.
Alaska Utility Supply Center Catalog (PDF)
Pumphouse Pipeline Quarterly Newsletters
Pumphouse Pipeline, October 2008
Pumphouse Pipeline, March 2008
