Staff report

Homer Independent Press

The City of Homer has received an award of $937,868 in  federal funding through the Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending process, according to a press release. This federal investment joins state and local funding to replace an aging and vulnerable water  transmission infrastructure, strengthening Homer’s resilience and ensuring a reliable supply  of clean drinking water for residents. This funding was included in the fiscal year 2026 Interior, Environment,  and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which most recently passed the Senate on Jan. 15,  and was sent to the President’s desk for final approval. 

“The city extends sincere appreciation to Rep. Begich and Sen. Murkowski for their  steadfast advocacy and leadership in securing this vital investment in the development and  improvement of the city’s drinking water infrastructure, and to Senator Sullivan for his ongoing  support of investments like this in Homer and across the state,” said Jenny Carroll, Special Projects and Communications Coordinator. “Their collective dedication delivers  tangible benefits — stronger essential services, enhanced community resilience and sustained  economic vitality for all who live and work in Homer.”

“We are tremendously grateful to Representative Begich and Senator Murkowski for championing this  project,” said Homer Mayor Rachel Lord. “This federal funding enables us to replace our A-Frame Water Transmission  infrastructure serving the west side of Homer that has far exceeded its useful life. Clean, reliable water  is fundamental to everything we do as a city: protecting public health, strengthening community  resilience, and supporting our growing population and economy for generations to come.” 

Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS)/Community Project Funding (CPF) is a process through  which members of Congress request funding for specific projects in their districts or states.  Lawmakers submit requests to appropriations committees, which review and select projects to  include in annual Appropriations bills. Once approved, these projects receive dedicated federal  funding in appropriations legislation.