Skagway’s utility assistance program is back for its second winter. It’s being run through a local non-profit group and funded by a donation from a cruise line company.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Norwegian Cruise Lines gave the municipality of Skagway a $2 million donation to help the community through the economic slowdown. One of the ways the municipality spent the money was on a utility assistance program. There are still funds left.
The money is being distributed by the Skagway Development Corporation. The non-profit’s new Executive Director John Hillis says the application is the same as last year’s.
“It’s based off of the same program that the state of Alaska runs for utility assistance. The idea is to offer help through the winter months for low-income homes that are struggling with utility bills,” said Hillis.
The program offers up to $700 per month to qualifying Skagway residents, and it covers electric, heat, water and sewer bills. And the threshold to qualify is fairly generous.
“It varies depending on household size. So just for example, for a household of one, your max gross income per month would be $4,133. Your max gross income per month for a household of five would be $6,375,” said Hillis.
The SDC as it’s known locally asks that after someone applies for a month, they apply for state assistance the next month. The applications are basically the same, so Hillis says they should be easy to navigate.
“Once you have proof that you’ve applied for the state of Alaska program, you can come back to us here at SDC. And we will accept another application. And we can continue to accept those through the winter as long as funds last and as long as you continue to meet requirements,” said Hillis.
He says he hopes this is the last year they will need to run the program.
“The reason I say that is, I’d like for our economy to be doing a lot better. I’d like to have a really good season this year and it not be something that is required anymore. That said, we’ll see how things are going and if it’s something that seems needed, we will look at it again,” said Hillis.
To apply visit skagwaydevelopment.org/cds, and select “Learn More,” in the community programs box. You can also call 907-983-3414 for assistance.
