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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Juneau field office is accepting proposals for scientific studies and projects involving the service's Tongass Monitoring Program. The program supports the evaluation of ecosystem conditions and the impacts of natural resource development on Southeast Alaska's ecosystems. Up to $150,000 could be awarded with no new grant to exceed $50,000. Proposals must be submitted by Feb. 28. For more information, contact Kim Hastings at 907-723-8376 or visit the Service's Website at http://alaska.fws.gov/EcologicalServices/tmcfp2003.pdf.

On the Move

The Valley Hospital Foundation awarded $65,000 in cash allocations to three sectors within its hospital. Pediatric services and geriatric services each received $20,000; and $25,000 went to an endowment fund for the future of the hospital. The hospital will use the money to purchase a portable infant/newborn hearing screener for the obstetrics department, a pressure-relieving mattress for Hospice of Mat-Su, and an exercise bicycle for the rehabilitation department. A final $10,000 will be allocated after Valley Hospital finalizes its capital budget for 2003. All $75,000 came through charitable donations from the community. To find out more about making a donation in 2003, contact Elizabeth Ripley at 907-352-2849.

The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is set to launch seven rockets to study the Aurora. The first launch will occur between Jan. 22 and Feb. 8, when a two-stage rocket will measure high-frequency wave signals in the Aurora. Between Feb. 18 and March 8, scientists will launch four rockets to measure wind in the upper atmosphere. A fifth rocket will turn on its side mid-flight, allowing it to pierce the aurora horizontally.

General Communications Inc. will automatically increase the speed of its most popular cable modem service for both new and existing customers. The upgrade for the GCI Silver package means a 50 percent speed increase, from the previous 256 Kbps to 384 Kbps. The increase will not come at an increased price, since customers will continue to get the Silver package for $39.99; and new customers will receive a first month free as well as free activation.

Kudos

Continental Motors of Anchorage is one of the first 20 Subaru dealers in the country to be certified a "Stellar Performer." Subaru of America Corp. established the award with the goal of increasing customer satisfaction and boosting owner loyalty. Dealerships are reviewed in six areas, including facilities, sales and service standards, and employee management.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and United States Fire Administration have released $140,822 in grants to four Alaska fire departments. The Egegik Volunteer Fire Department, Tanana Volunteer Fire Department, Bethel Volunteer Fired Department and Nelson Lagoon Volunteer Fire Department will receive the funding as part of the Assistance to Firefighters grant program. The program was designed to support fire protection, EMS delivery, vehicle purchase and prevention programs.

Federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Energy and Department of Commerce, have awarded more than $5 million to Alaska groups and communities. The Administration on Children, Youth and Families to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe will receive $560, 096 for Head Start grants; and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services received just over $1 million in grants, for immunization and vaccines for children, from the Health Department. The Department of Energy has awarded $393,000 to the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute for a research project entitled "Improved Arctic Cloud and Aerosol Research and Model Parameterizations;" and $115,800 to the state Department of Environmental Conservation for the Amchitka Medical Screening Program. Some $2.2 million was awarded from the Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council for operation funds.