To survive and thrive into the future, rural Alaska must find and develop new, more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy sources. Nuvista Light and Electric Cooperative explored one possibility: a Hydroelectric Project at Chikuminuk Lake. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) controls licensing of hydroelectric projects and mandates a cautious, detailed, multi-year licensing process, with a heavy emphasis on public and agency involvement. Agnew::Beck joined a team of consultants working with Nuvista Light and Electric Cooperative to obtain a FERC license for the proposed project. Agnew::Beck brings expertise in conducting visual, recreation and socioeconomic analysis to bear on studies in these subject areas to support Nuvista’s application for license. Agnew::Beck also assisted Nuvista with a comprehensive public outreach strategy to help residents and stakeholders better understand the goals of the project and the process through which they could be involved.
