AK CARES Grant Preserves Museum Jobs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Valdez, Alaska, July 3, 2020 – The Valdez Museum has received the full funding of $100,000 from the AK CARES Grant Program, a partnership between Credit Union 1 and several state agencies, to offer financial help for small Alaskan businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The application period opened June 1, 2020 and Museum Director Patricia Relay wasted no time in applying. She received the good news while kayaking in the middle of Chena Lake during a weekend trip, and it caught her a bit off guard:
“I would not say a surprise, but it was pleasant that the full grant was awarded. I thought we would receive something, since we got the application in on the first day. It will keep exiting staff employed for a while.”
She adds that the $100,000 grant award is “all about people” and keeping the Valdez Museum team moving forward, while adjusting to changes in museum operations brought on by health and safety mandates related to the pandemic. The Museum recently reopened with limited hours and visitor capacity, but still offering the same informative, creative and stimulating exhibits as well as a host of new online videos and programs.
The grant money can include payroll costs, utilities and purchase of person protective equipment necessary to meet standards set by the VMHA Board approved COVID-19 mitigation plan, plus other business related equipment.
The Valdez Museum Board and Staff extend a heartfelt thanks to the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED), Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) and grant facilitator Credit Union 1 for their generosity in helping the Valdez Museum continue to operate and fulfill its mission to preserve, present and interpret the heritage and culture of Valdez, the Copper River Basin and Prince William Sound, Alaska.
For more information:Contact:
Patricia Relay, Executive Director
Tel. 907-835-2764, Email: prelay@valdezmuseum.org
