Alaska Division of Legislative Audit

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Members of the Legislative Budget
and Audit Committee:

In accordance with the provisions of Title 24 of the Alaska Statutes, the attached report is submitted for your review.

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
ALASKA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION

April 15, 1994

Audit Control Number

04-4481-94

The objectives of the audit were to determine whether the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation has complied with Alaska Statutes and to determine whether it has been effective in meeting the statutory intent.

The audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. Fieldwork procedures utilized in the course of developing the findings presented in this report are outlined in the Objectives, Scope and Methodology section. Audit results may be found in the Report Conclusions and Findings and Recommendations sections of the report.

Randy S. Welker, CPA
Legislative Auditor

OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, AND METHODOLOGY

In accordance with the provisions of Title 24 of the Alaska Statutes and a special request by the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, we reviewed the activities of the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF or the Foundation).

Objectives

ASTF was created in 1988 to promote and enhance through basic and applied research: economic development and technological innovation in Alaska; public health; telecommunications; and sustained growth and development of Alaskan scientific and engineering capabilities. The objectives of the audit were to determine whether the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation has complied with Alaska Statutes and to determine whether it has been effective in meeting the statutory intent.

Scope

We reviewed matters concerning ASTF and its activities from the draft legislation meetings in January 1988 through March 1994.

Methodology

In the course of our audit, we reviewed information from a variety of sources which included the following.

• Minutes of the committee appointed by Governor Cowper to develop draft legislation
• Governor's Transmittal Letter and Committee Minutes for ASTF's enabling legislation
• Title 37 and other applicable Alaska Statutes
• Title 15, Chapter 133 of the Alaska Administrative Code
• Alaska Permanent Fund Annual Reports
• ASTF grant files
• ASTF board of directors meeting minutes
• ASTF operating budgets and expenditures
• Executive Order No. 90, dated January 10, 1994
• Reports by the Governor's Task Force, the National Science Foundation, the Carnegie Commission on Science and Technology in Government, and the National Science Board

ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION

The Alaska Science and Technology Foundation was created by an act of the 1988 Alaska State Legislature as a public corporation in the Department of Revenue. As originally defined by Alaska Statute (AS) 37.17.010, the purpose of the foundation is:

. . . to promote and enhance through basic and applied research: economic development and technological innovation in Alaska; public health; telecommunications; and sustained growth and development of Alaskan scientific and engineering capabilities.

In 1992, the legislature amended AS 37.17 and gave ASTF the added responsibility of implementing the Business Industrial Development Corporation (BIDCO) assistance program. The purposes of the BIDCO assistance program include promoting economic development by providing a new source of risk capital and management assistance for Alaskan business endeavors and using state resources to attract other capital resources. A BIDCO fund was established in ASTF to make loans to capitalize BIDCOs. In Chapter 79 SLA 1993, $1 million was appropriated to the BIDCO fund.

In January 1994, Governor Hickel issued Executive Order No. 90 stating that

. . . it would be in the best interests of efficient administration to move the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation from the Department of Revenue to the Department of Commerce and Economic Development, and to transfer the duties of the science and engineering advisory commission to the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation, thus integrating the state's science and technology activities within the state agency responsible for the comprehensive economic development of the State of Alaska.

Alaska Science and Technology Foundation Board Members Ronald A. Duncan, Chairman Anchorage Public Member Term expires September 7, 1995 Elisha R. Baker, IV Fairbanks Scientist or Engineer/University Term expires September 7, 1995 Perry Eaton Anchorage Public Member Term expires September 7, 1997 Gary R. Freitag Ketchikan Public Member Term expires September 7, 1994 John W. Gerster Anchorage Scientist or Engineer Term expires September 7, 1994 James Kenworthy Ann Arbor, MI Non-Alaskan Scientist Term expires September 7, 1997 George Kozmetsky Austin, TX Non-Alaskan Scientist Term expires September 7, 1994 Kris W. Lethin Juneau State Agency Term expires September 7, 1997 Richard Strutz Anchorage Public Member Term expires September 7, 1995

The Foundation is governed and administered by a nine-member board of directors appointed by the Governor for four-year terms. Two of the members must be renowned scientists or engineers residing in Alaska, one of whom is employed by the University of Alaska. Two other members must be scientists or engineers who are not Alaskan residents and who are recognized contributors in their fields. Four members must be public members, two of which have recognized expertise or experience in resource development, manufacturing, finance, telecommunications, or public health. The final member must be a State of Alaska departmental or agency employee (from other than the University of Alaska).

ASTF is staffed by an executive director employed by the board of directors. Additional staff hired by the director currently consists of a deputy director, grants administrator, technical administrator, office manager, secretary and an accounting clerk. Department of Revenue personnel provide further administrative services including accounting on the State of Alaska Accounting System (AKSAS) and payroll.

The Foundation has issued four annual requests for proposals for projects as well as a special request for projects which addresses innovative sewage and drinking water technology. Over 95 proposals have been awarded conventional grants; another 39 proposals have received funding through the small grants program. During the last three school years, ASTF has made 77 teacher grants "to promote the understanding of science, math, and/or statistics in Alaska in the context of phenomena unique to Alaska or the region."

In order to perform a qualified review of the grant proposals it receives, ASTF has elicited volunteer services from 10 Alaskans who function as technical area review chairmen (TARs). These individuals are experts in their particular fields: agriculture, arctic engineering, environment, community economic development, fisheries, forestry, mining, public health and safety, rural energy production and delivery, and telecommunications. TARs work with groups of volunteers from Alaska and outside of Alaska who act as peer reviewers for the grant proposals. These confidential reviews provide guidance to the board of directors in its grant award decision making.

ASTF has a technical assistance program which provides an:

. . . outreach effort aimed at improving the quality of proposals, accessing a broader base of potential proposers, assisting grantees with follow-on funding or development, and establishing a network and resource base to assist the public with proposal preparation and the innovation process.

REPORT CONCLUSIONS

ASTF is authorized to fund research but not development

Research and Development (R&D) are separate concepts which are often combined to encompass the entire process from searching out scientific knowledge to the beginnings of manufacturing production. Research is the attempt to acquire new knowledge, while development is the use of this knowledge. These concepts are defined more fully by the National Science Foundation in its resource surveys, as follows.

Basic Research: Basic research has as its objective a fuller knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, without specific applications in mind. In industry, basic research is defined as research that advances scientific knowledge but does not have specific commercial objectives, although such investigations may be in fields of present or potential interest to the reporting company.

Applied Research: Applied research is directed toward gaining knowledge or understanding necessary for determining the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met. In industry, applied research includes investigations directed to the discovery of new scientific knowledge having specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or services.

Development: Development is the systematic use of the knowledge or understanding gained from research directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods, including design and development of prototypes and processes.

In 1988, the legislature established ASTF under AS 37.17.010 to:

. . . promote and enhance through basic and applied research: (emphasis added)

• economic development and technological innovation in Alaska;
• public health;
• telecommunications; and

• sustained growth and development of Alaskan scientific and engineering capabilities.

• Research & Development are terms that are often combined. The legislature did not use the term "development" and instead specifically authorized two specific types of research.
• As discussed above, development is customarily funded by industry.
• A committee appointed by Governor Cowper to help draft ASTF's enabling legislation was interested in funding development. The committee was headed by Edward Clinton, who later served as the ASTF board of directors' chairman until he resigned in February 1993. This committee agreed that AS 37.17.010 should read as follows:
  The purpose of the foundation is to promote and enhance scientific and technological development in Alaska through a program of research and development (emphasis added) for diversification of the economic and social base in the State of Alaska.

  However, this authorization for development was not ultimately included in AS 37.17.010.

Proposals may be submitted as either research projects or development projects. The former is appropriate for basic or applied scientific research proposals while the latter includes innovation and technology development, improvement, or adaption. (emphasis in original)

This chapter applies to grant proposals solicited by and submitted to the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation for financing of research and development (emphasis added) projects that will enhance Alaska's economy, science and engineering capabilities, telecommunication, public health, and other development and technological innovations in Alaska as identified by the foundation.

ASTF is operating outside of its statutory authority

As noted above, ASTF actively solicits development projects. Management believes that direct grants for development are an essential ingredient in attaining the ultimate goal of development. Further, ASTF has declared a preference for development over research projects; its Grant Information and Forms booklet states that "ASTF especially invites projects featuring innovation, technology development, technology improvement, technology adaptation, and technology transfer." Given this strong belief in development grants, ASTF should have requested that AS 37.17.010 be modified to include development grants, rather than unilaterally modifying this program's approach. The flowchart on page 10 illustrates the authorized grant process and ASTF's approach to the process.

The grant percentages on the flowchart were obtained from worksheets prepared by ASTF in which projects were categorized as either research, development, or teacher grants. ASTF further informed us that no true basic research projects have been funded. This categorization was offered as a very rough estimate. Each project was placed in only one category even though many began as applied research and progressed through and on past the prototype stage of development. Thus, while it is not exactly clear how many grant dollars have gone to fund direct development activities, it is apparent that, given the volume of those grants, a substantial commitment to development has been made.

Grant Funding by ASTF:

In addition to development grants, ASTF also exceeded its authority in making teacher grants. Through March 18, 1994, they have awarded 77 of these grants for a total of $388,420. Similar to ASTF's approach to development, the agency has by-passed the authorized research process in favor of a more direct approach. In the case of teacher grants, the ultimate goal of sustaining growth and development of Alaskan scientific and engineering capabilities was directly targeted. However, very few of these grants represent true original research. These grants do not qualify under AS 37.17.010; they essentially represent ASTF funding of basic education. While we believe that the activities conducted with these funds do benefit Alaska and perhaps even enhance Alaska's scientific capabilities, we object to the funding of educational instruction in the name of research grants. These grants have ranged from field trips and science clubs to classroom studies of the Alaska Permanent Fund and of "an imaginary lepton war in a far galaxy." Appendix E contains an ASTF prepared summary of these grants.

Further, ASTF gives grants for workshops/conferences, a computer bulletin board, and even for radio broadcast programming. These types of grants are not for basic or applied research. It also appears that ASTF has granted funding to cover manufacturing costs as well as funding to provide specific training, such as in wild berry production.

Management views the role of ASTF differently than that authorized under statute. It appears that ASTF sees its role as funding of some applied research, but mostly development; ASTF does not see its funding role as including basic research. To illustrate, the following picture was adapted from ASTF literature.

ASTF has not focused on small grants as intended by the legislature

Alaska Statute 37.17.090(d) states that not less than 50% of the income account that is distributed as grants by the foundation in a fiscal year must be for grants of $100,000 or less, exclusive of other funding. However, ASTF has not complied with this requirement and has distributed only 35% of the grants from the income account for grants less than $100,000.

Percent Under $100,000

(Includes Teacher Grants)

Fiscal Year	Income Account Only	All Funding Sources
1990	100%	41%
1991	61%	51%
1992	26%	20%
1993	42%	39%
1994	26%	15%
Cumulative	35%	31%

The above table shows ASTF's record of compliance. The large amount of apparent small grants in the early years was due to use of General Fund monies to reduce the income account portion of the grants to less than $100,000. This indicates compliance in two of the five years. As additional information, we have also presented a column showing the percent of grant dollars distributed from all funding sources, i.e., the income account appropriations plus the General Fund appropriation.

Research results are not fully disseminated

Alaska Statute 37.17.090(f) requires the board to disseminate research results as follows:

The board shall require from each grant recipient periodic reports and a final report. The board shall disseminate to the scientific community and to the public, on a regular basis, the results of research sponsored by the foundation.

We believe that ASTF should prepare brief summaries of the actual results and distribute these to libraries, science groups, and newspapers. These summaries would likely generate additional requests for the full reports.

We understand that ASTF has already requested an additional $50,000 in funding for FY 95 to prepare summaries of grant results. The board is considering having glossy reports printed. While recognizing the need for these summaries, we believe that such reports may indicate a public relations motive, rather than dissemination of research results.

Best-interest determinations are not made regarding confidential information

Alaska Statute 37.17.090(f) reads, in part, as follows:

Proprietary reports and other information voluntarily filed with the board or critical to patent applications may be kept confidential if the person providing the information so requests and the board finds that it is in the best interest of the state. Information developed under a grant awarded by the board is public information unless the applicant requests and the board grants confidentiality prior to the award of the grant.

ASTF has decided to put the BIDCO Request For Proposal (RFP) process on hold

In addition to the grantor role discussed above, AS 37.17.010(b)(2) was added in 1992 to expand the stated purpose of ASTF to also implement a BIDCO assistance program. This program was to accept appropriated monies into the BIDCO Fund and provide these monies to BIDCOs in the form of capitalization loans. These private development companies would then provide financial and management assistance to help meet the needs of businesses in the State.

In 1993, $1 million was appropriated to the BIDCO Fund. However, ASTF believes that, for a BIDCO to be successful, a minimum of $5 million from the BIDCO Fund would be needed; they speculate that the private sector would provide a $5 million match. As the board does not wish to ask businesses to put forth the extensive planning and effort necessary to create a BIDCO without having the funding in place, the board put the RFP process on hold until additional funding becomes available.

Notwithstanding the above, we must point out that in today's economic times, state agencies rarely receive full funding to accomplish the tasks required of them. Although obtaining funds from other sources or obtaining a larger than 50% match from private investors may be difficult, this is the charge given to ASTF. Alaska Statute 37.17.010 clearly mandates the Foundation to implement the BIDCO assistance program. We believe that ASTF should have issued the RFP with the $1 million offer for capitalization. If private companies believed this amount to be inadequate, they would not have to go through the "extensive planning and effort" necessary to create a BIDCO and respond to the RFP.

Potential conflicts of interest are not fully addressed

Alaska Statute 37.17.100 requires ASTF's board to:

. . . adopt a written policy, in addition to the requirements of AS 39.52 [Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act], to address potential conflicts of interest of its members and members of a peer review panel.

. . . written disclosure of all known potential conflicts of interest they may have with a proposal they are asked to review, such as a financial or personal interest of the reviewer, the reviewer's spouse, children or other known relatives, in the proposer, the proposal, or a provider of services within the proposal.

Thirty percent of ASTF's grant awards have gone to the University of Alaska

Many of ASTF's grants were awarded for a single project with several named participants. We determined the primary grantee from AKSAS records. The following table breaks down these primary grantees into general categories.

Primary Grantee	Total Awards	Percent
University of Alaska	$ 4,445,833	30%
Other Government Agencies in Alaska	448,408	3%
Alaskan Grantees	7,437,618	51%
Out-of-State Grantees	1,891,772	13%
Teacher Grantees	388,420	3%
Total	$14,612,051	100%

ASTF moved $1,037,000 from the income account into the Science and Technology Fund Principal

The Science and Technology Fund (Fund) is managed and invested by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). At ATSF's request, APFC moved $1,037,000 from the income account to the Fund's principal in FY 92. Alaska statute 37.17.030(e) states that the board of directors may transfer funds from the income account to the principal; however, it also provides that this authority is "[s]ubject to AS 37.07" (i.e., Executive Budget Act). Further, AS 37.17.020(a) states that the Fund consists of money appropriated to it. ASTF has taken the position that the board has the authority to transfer any of its unexpended appropriations to principal without specific legislative approval. It is unclear whether this is what the legislature intended.

In addition to questioning the clarity of these statutes, we also question whether the legislature should allow ASTF the discretion to transfer unexpended appropriations to the principal of the endowment. Even though the legislature still has access to this principal, these monies may be more politically difficult to utilize even for crucial government services. For example, APFC's former executive director informed ASTF's board that there were very direct ties between ASTF principal and the permanent fund and that "[s]ince the principal is commingled, an attack on ASTF is an attack on the permanent fund."

Seventy-three percent of ASTF's total expenditures were designated as grants

The following table, drawn from data in Appendix B, shows the amounts expended by ASTF in each of the AKSAS account groupings. This data includes ASTF inception-to-date expenditures through March 18, 1994.

Expenditures	Cumulative	Percent
Personal Services	$ 1,760,275	13%
Contractual	1,351,246	10%
Other	615,900	4%
Total Operations	3,727,421	27%
Grants	10,318,087	73%
Total Expenditures	$14,045,508	100%

ASTF has had successful grants

Defining success is relatively simple. A grant is successful when Alaskans benefit from the results of the ASTF funded research. These benefits may include enhancements to the economy, public health, telecommunications, or to scientific and engineering capabilities. Benefits may accrue directly from the research or they may be realized when the results are commercially developed to create jobs for Alaskans and to solve Alaskan problems.

The difficulty is in measuring the benefits of this success. Any number of proximate measures can be selected to help in developing an estimate of the benefits. These may include such measures as the value of contributions to the body of knowledge, the importance of patents obtained, the quality of sustained job creation, and the significance of health care breakthroughs. Even these proximate measures are very difficult to determine and rank. As an alternative, the number of these contributions, patents, jobs, or breakthroughs could be counted. However, a mere count is not very meaningful without the qualitative measures. Any definitive evaluation of ASTF success is highly subjective. Grants may appear to be on the verge of success one day and failure the next.

ASTF has recently received two evaluative assessments. The first, completed in August 1993, reviewed seven grants totalling $1,047,500. These grants were selected for review by ASTF staff. This assessment focused on the economic development aspects of the grants. While some applied research was involved, these grants were predominately for development; the grantees were already building prototypes. One of the study's major findings was that the grantees unanimously endorsed ASTF. Many of the grantees asserted that the projects would not have gone forward without ASTF. Four professional or technical papers resulted; eleven conference presentations were made; four television features focused on the projects' technology; and 19 related articles were published in newspapers, magazines, and journals. It also found that these projects resulted in 32 full-time and 13 part-time permanent year-round jobs. However, half of these jobs related to a single project, Autogenesis, Inc. We understand that while this company does have a patent and hopes for the future, it is undergoing a reorganization and is down to three employees in Alaska.

The second evaluation, conducted through a Reimbursable Services Agreement (RSA) with the University of Alaska Southeast, was a preliminary project designed to provide some indication of the grant outcomes and to provide administrative input. This project was to gather data to establish an information base for a subsequent more comprehensive evaluation. The project's report has not yet been finalized; however, the draft includes the following:

• The grantees estimated that 126 new full-time jobs and 187 new part-time jobs were created as a result of the ASTF grants. The author estimated that the new jobs contributed approximately $5.6 million to the Alaskan economy (based upon Department of Labor average wages). However, the author specifically cautions the reader about the reliability of this data, as follows:
  . . . [A] limitation on the study was the use of a mail survey . . . of grantees . . . . Many issues related to technology development, such as job generation, and factors affecting the success of a project are best understood via an in-depth case-study approach. This project was designed as an early evaluative tool . . .
  

  Chemical in fish waste may hold big payoff Scientists at the Fishery Industrial Technology Center in Kodiak announced that an ongoing research project had made a significant finding. A chemical found in fish waste sells in its synthetic form, and has annual sales at about $1 billion. The scientists believe that three to five kilograms could be produced in Alaska each year at approximately $150 million per kilogram. As the chemical processing facility would need to be near the fish processing plants, this would benefit Alaskan communities. The project was funded by the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation and the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Source: Anchorage Daily News, March 30, 1994

• Grantees also reported that they had provided or attracted matching cash amounts of $12.5 million. In-kind contributions were reported at approximately $9.5 million. The report emphasized that an additional study should be undertaken to verify these self-reported numbers.
• The grantees stated that seven patents had been granted and 16 were pending; in addition, seven copyrights had been issued and ten were in progress.
• The survey also questioned grantees on ASTF effectiveness. Generally the responses were positive, however, it must be expected that grantees would be reluctant to criticize a major source of funding. Grantees recommended that reporting requirements be loosened and that ASTF provide more assistance in the development of their projects.
• The report states that the important question is whether ASTF made a difference and whether or not the grantees would have accomplished the same thing without ASTF support; however, this question was beyond the limited scope of the evaluation. The author stated that the data provided by the grantees indicated that their projects were further along because of ASTF assistance.

Funding development is a moderately risky venture. Funding research is even riskier in terms of ASTF grant monies relative to benefits. As noted in a previous diagram, the risks and the potential benefits are greater for research. Thus, we anticipate both successes and failures by ASTF grantees. Research results are occasionally reported prior to grant completion; this was the case for the news story outlined in the above sidebar. However, the more detailed reports to ASTF are generally not made until the grant is done. We reviewed most of the completed grants and a few of those that were still underway. The following are examples of the results of these projects.

• Grantee identified considerations for selection of seed source for improved regeneration of spruce forests on logged land.
• Grantee tested and determined which of several insulations was best for use with small diameter underground pipe.
• Grantee discovered a methodology to prevent the degradative activity of proteolytic enzymes in arrowtooth flounder muscle thereby making it useable for surimi.
• Grantee demonstrated that moose browse can be produced within three years on mined land that is being reclaimed.
• Grantee determined that qiviut production increased when willow browse was increased in musk ox diet.
• Grantee showed how icy roads could be treated without the use of salt. In testing this process, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough did have problems; with warm weather, the mix hardened in the spreader truck.
• Grantee determined that bison will not contract brucellosis carried by reindeer and caribou. Thus, it would not harm bison if reindeer were transferred to the Delta Junction area for farming. Note that the testing was performed in Texas to save money. ASTF informed us that Alaska did not have an adequate research facility.
• Grantee demonstrated the effectiveness of several fishing pot modifications for minimizing the incidental catch of halibut and crab while maximizing the catch of pacific cod.
• Grantee tested various lures and troll techniques for use in chinook salmon harvesting in terminal areas. However, processors refused to buy these fish, due to low fat content.
• Grantee tested Alaska barley for use as a brewery malt and determined it to be acceptable but not outstanding.
• Grantee determined there was no net benefit when dairy cattle are fed canola.
• Grantee was paid to design and manufacture electronic data recorders with fewer features for a lower cost than that already offered on the market.
• Grantee developed and patented a two-piece take-down longbow.

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation No. 1

The Alaska Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) should comply with its enabling statutes.

We noted several areas where ASTF was not in full compliance with the statutory requirements of Alaska Statute (AS) 37.17. We believe that ASTF should comply. However, in instances where the Foundation strongly believes that Alaskans would benefit from program changes, we recommend that ASTF petition the legislature for changes in the underlying statutes. Brief descriptions follow each recommendation; each item is discussed in greater detail in the Report Conclusions section of this report.

1. ASTF should only award grants for basic and applied research.

ASTF currently awards development, teacher, and miscellaneous grants, in addition to those for research. Alaska Statute 37.17.010 states that ASTF is to promote economic development, but it is to accomplish this "through basic and applied research."

ASTF has decided to put the BIDCO RFP process on hold. Alaska Statute 37.17.010 states that one of the purposes of ASTF is to "implement the BIDCO assistance program." In 1993, $1 million was appropriated to fund this new program. As ASTF felt that this funding was inadequate, they placed the BIDCO program on hold until additional funding becomes available. While we acknowledge that the board might not receive as many RFP responses or the highest quality proposers to choose from, ASTF should nevertheless attempt to fulfill its statutory obligations with the resources allocated.

Alaska Statute 37.17.100 requires ASTF's board to:
. . . adopt a written policy, in addition to the requirements of AS 39.52 [Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act], to address potential conflicts of interest of its members and members of a peer review panel.

The board's formal policy for itself only requires that they comply with AS 39.50, Conflict of Interest. This section provides for the filing of financial interest statements and it states that "[a] public official may not use the official position or office for the primary purpose of obtaining personal financial gain . . ." (emphasis added). As the legislature incorporated AS 39.52 into ASTF's enabling statutes and as they excluded AS 39.50, we believe that the legislature intended for the Foundation to adopt a policy that was more directly related to ASTF's grantor program. Rather than relying on standardized financial disclosures, the board should consider a policy for board members which requires positive disclosure of potential conflicts of interest for each grant being considered.

Alaska Statute 37.17.090(f) reads, in part, as follows:
Proprietary reports and other information voluntarily filed with the board or critical to patent applications may be kept confidential if the person providing the information so requests and the board finds that it is in the best interest of the state. Information developed under a grant awarded by the board is public information unless the applicant requests and the board grants confidentiality prior to the award of the grant.

Although some information is being kept confidential, we found no evidence of best-interest determinations. While we acknowledge that some of these determinations would be difficult, especially prior to the grant award, it must nevertheless be accomplished in this manner. The board should carefully weigh and document the probable costs and benefits of keeping certain specific aspects of a given grant confidential. The formal determination, that specific aspects of a specific grant will be kept confidential and that this is in the State's best interest, should be fully documented.

Alaska Statute 37.17.090(d) states that not less than 50% of the income account that is distributed as grants by the Foundation in a fiscal year must be for grants of $100,000 or less, exclusive of other funding. However, ASTF has not complied with this requirement and has distributed an average of only 35% of the grants from the income account for grants less than $100,000.

Alaska Statute 37.17.090(f) requires the board to disseminate research results as follows:
The board shall require from each grant recipient periodic reports and a final report. The board shall disseminate to the scientific community and to the public, on a regular basis, the results of research sponsored by the foundation.

The board does require grant recipient reporting, yet its efforts to disseminate these results falls short of the above requirement. ASTF procedures are to prepare brief descriptions of the projects, as originally funded, and to distribute these to legislators with a copy to the State Library in Juneau. Further, if anyone requests information about the actual results, ASTF mails them a copy of the grantee's final report.

We believe that ASTF should prepare brief summaries of the actual results and distribute these to libraries, science groups, and newspapers along with a statement that the full reports are available upon request. This would likely generate additional requests for the information.

ASTF should only purchase items essential to its governmental function.

We reviewed 32 select ASTF administrative expenditures for compliance with the Alaska Administrative Manual (AAM). Twenty-four of the 32 items evaluated do not appear to be appropriate expenditures. In addition to the items listed, we noted that the Christmas cards and the airline guides are purchased annually.

Date	Amount	Item Purchased	Comments
11/92	$720	Christmas Cards	Not considered to be an essential government service. AAM 35.150 lists the printing of Christmas cards as nonessential.
9/90 - 2/94	$3,961	Membership Dues for Technical/Professional Organizations	Not considered essential. AAM 35.150 lists dues for personal memberships as nonessential.
12/92	$82	Airline Guide	Subscription to an airline guide is not considered essential, especially since travel agent services are used.
10/93	$250	Radio Program Sponsorship	This was for a program sponsorship, not charges for meeting advertisement. Not considered essential to ASTF's research mission.
11/93	$9,000	Television Program Sponsorship	Same as above.
8/92	$94	Hotel Room Charges	Overnight lodging was provided to an ASTF staff member even though this individual was not on travel status. The employee reimbursed the State on April 15, 1994.

In AAM 35.150, a number of specific items are listed as nonessential for which payment is generally not authorized. However, the manual does qualify this as follows:

The policies in this section should not be considered as limiting or disallowing the purchase of items listed above or similar items when such items are a necessary or an integral part of a departmental function, such as feeding of prisoners or boat crews; the rehabilitation or general welfare of the public, furnishing schools, etc. The department head may approve the purchase of food and other items of a personal nature for public good.

Recommendation No. 3

The ASTF board should conduct all business in open meetings unless one of the exceptions allowing executive sessions is present.

Alaska Statute 44.62.310 requires that all meetings of ASTF be open to the public, except as otherwise provided by this section. Subsection (c) reads as follows:

The following excepted subjects may be discussed in an executive session:

1. matters, the immediate knowledge of which would clearly have an adverse effect upon the finances of the government unit;
   
2. subjects that tend to prejudice the reputation and character of any person, provided the person may request a public discussion;
   
3. matters which by law, municipal charter, or ordinance are required to be confidential.

These justifications do not allow the use of this exception to the Open Meetings Act (OMA) requirements. Further, in those few cases where specific unfavorable details must be discussed, ASTF must first notify the grantee that they intend to discuss these details in executive session. The grantee must be given the opportunity to request a public discussion. However, the Foundation does not notify grantees when these executive sessions are to be held; again, ASTF contends that such notification would lead to lobbying efforts.

The Notes to the Decisions that follow AS 44.62.310 outlines case law as follows:

Since the sole purpose of a notice requirement under subsection (c)(2) of this section is to afford the employee with an opportunity to request a public discussion, the University of Alaska was under the implied statutory obligation to inform the faculty member of the time and place of all meetings in which his application for tenure would be considered and to inform him that he had the right to request that the meetings be open to the public.

There is persuasive case law which leads us to believe that the OMA applies to "work sessions" of a public body, regardless of whether the conduct of formal action is contemplated. . . . [W]e believe that any "work session" at which a quorum is in attendance is a public meeting under the OMA and should conform to OMA procedures.

Recommendation No. 4

ASTF should not give severance pay to a state employee.

Contained in the executive director's employment contract is a provision for twelve months of salary as severance pay. This would be payable if the director is discharged for any reason other than malfeasance or willful misconduct prior to June 30, 1994, which is the contract expiration date.

Under AS 37.17.080, ASTF is instructed to "employ and determine the salary of an executive director." The board was given the latitude necessary to set an appropriate salary to attract the professional talent essential to this sort of endeavor. Severance pay represents payment for a period in which services are not rendered. As such, we believe that it may be outside of ASTF's authority.

We surveyed the executive directors of Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), Alaska Permanent Fund, Alaska Industrial Development Authority, and Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC). None have employment contracts; thus, none would receive severance pay in this manner. However, Alaska State Housing Authority, prior to being merged with AHFC, did have a contract which contained a twelve-month severance pay provision with its executive director. Further, AADC will purportedly be awarding a contract with a ten month severance pay provision to its executive director in the near future. Regardless of which, if any other state agencies become obligated for severance pay, we believe that it does not constitute good public policy and recommend that ASTF reconsider this practice.

Recommendation No. 5

The legislature should consider whether to limit ASTF's ability to transfer monies from the income account to the principal account.

The Science and Technology Fund (Fund) is managed and invested by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC). At ATSF's request, APFC moved $1,037,000 from the income account to the Fund's principal in FY 92. Alaska statute 37.17.030(e) states that the board of directors may transfer funds from the income account to the principal; however, it also provides that this authority is "[s]ubject to AS 37.07" (i.e., Executive Budget Act). Further, AS 37.17.020(a) states that the Fund consists of money appropriated to it. ASTF has taken the position that the board has the authority to transfer any of its unexpended appropriations to principal without specific legislative approval. It is unclear whether this is what the legislature intended.

In addition to questioning the clarity of these statutes, we also question whether the legislature should allow ASTF the discretion to transfer unexpended appropriations to the principal of the endowment. Even though the legislature still has access to this principal, these monies may be more politically difficult to utilize even for crucial government services. For example, APFC's former executive director informed ASTF's board that there were very direct ties between ASTF principal and the permanent fund and that "[s]ince the principal is commingled, an attack on ASTF is an attack on the permanent fund."

AUDITOR'S COMMENTS

The legislature has appropriated $100 million to the Science and Technology Fund. The current balance including the investment earnings is approximately $107.8 million, although approximately $4.3 million in grants have been committed to by ASTF. These monies have been labeled as ASTF funds, yet legally they are as available to the legislature as are General Fund monies.

As can be seen in Appendix B, ASTF has expended only one-half of its appropriations. This was probably for a number of reasons such as the organizational start-up time-frame and the desire of the board to fund only grants with exceptional potential. We believe that there may be a tendency for the legislature to view the ASTF Fund and related income account as monies that are not generally available for other purposes. This may lead to less scrutiny of the appropriations to ASTF, thus resulting in funding that is larger than necessary.

One of the arguments in favor of the present funding approach is that it serves to isolate the research activities from the political budgetary process. While research may benefit from this approach, other state programs may suffer; it prevents legislative decision makers from considering research spending in the full context of other state funding decisions. Accordingly, we suggest that the legislature periodically reconsider the role of state funded research and the related funding mechanism. While the budgetary process may not be appropriate at the research project level, we believe that the competitive budgetary process is desirable for research in total. If research is to be funded, it could be funded through operating or capital appropriations.

In addition to the decisions on whether to fund and how to fund research, the legislature should also consider how the $100 million would bring the greatest benefit to Alaskans. These monies may be best left on deposit earning income for ASTF research and other uses. Alternatively, the funding of other state programs may be more critical to Alaskans than are the programs of ASTF.

APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A

Department of Revenue
Alaska Science and Technology Foundation
Alaska Science and Technology Fund
Inception-To-Date Activity Through February 28, 1994

	FY 89	FY 90	FY 91	FY 92	FY 93	FY 94	Combined
Beginning Balance	$ -0-	$34,253,000	$ 72,838,000	$113,271,000	$121,846,000	$106,889,000	$ -0-
Appropriated to the Fund	34,000,000	34,000,000	32,000,000	-0-	-0-	-0-	100,000,000
Earnings of the Fund	253,000	4,585,000	8,901,000	10,080,000	10,731,000	5,791,000	40,341,000
Appropriations Out of Fund Earnings to:
ASTF	-0-	-0-	(468,000)	(1,505,000)	(4,178,000)	(2,234,500)	(8,385,500)
General Fund	-0-	-0-	-0-	-0-	(17,000,000)	-0-	(17,000,000)
Aerospace Development Corp	-0-	-0-	-0-	-0-	(1,510,000)	(382,500)	(1,892,500)
University of Alaska	-0-	-0-	-0-	-0-	(3,000,000)	(2,250,000)	(5,250,000)
Ending Balance	$34,253,000	$72,838,000	$113,271,000	$121,846,000	$106,889,000	$107,813,000	$107,813,000

Source: Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation

Department of Revenue
Alaska Science and Technology Foundation
Inception-To-Date Appropriations and Expenditures Through March 18, 1994

	FY 89	FY 90	FY 91	FY 92	FY 93	FY 94	Combined
Appropriations by Source:
General Fund Operating	$ 208,200	$ -0-	$ -0-	$ -0-	$ -0-	$ -0-	$ 208,200
General Fund Capital	6,000,000	-0-	-0-	-0-	-0-	-0-	6,000,000
Science & Tech Fund Income	-0-	-0-	3,060,000	4,257,200	4,620,100	9,603,600	21,540,900
Total Appropriations	$6,208,200	$ -0-	$3,060,000	$4,257,200	$4,620,100	$9,603,600	$27,749,100
Expenditures:
Personal Services	$ 49,298	$ 244,494	$ 356,197	$ 416,753	$ 396,267	$ 297,266	$ 1,760,275
Contractual	-0-	77,378	239,270	360,023	377,460	297,115	1,351,246
Other	130,288	97,801	108,937	107,289	79,725	91,860	615,900
Total Operations	179,586	419,673	704,404	884,065	853,452	686,241	3,727,421
Grants	-0-	889,569	1,450,715	3,461,859	2,857,131	1,658,813	10,318,087
Total Expenditures	$ 179,586	$1,309,242	$2,155,119	$4,345,924	$3,710,583	$2,345,054	$14,045,508

Sources: Alaska State Accounting System and ASTF Annual Reports.

Department of Revenue
Alaska Science and Technology Foundation
Large Grants: Funded Proposals

The following descriptions were prepared by ASTF staff. Note that these descriptions were the basis for receiving the original grant award and have not been updated to reflect actual accomplishments.

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Remote Data Logger James E. Dryden Dryden & LaRue Instruments Anchorage, Alaska	Develop and produce an inexpensive rugged data logger to be manufactured and serviced in Alaska. Data loggers are small electronic instruments capable of sensing and recording information such as temperature, wind speed, water level, service voltage, power usage, etc.		Data loggers are used extensively in Alaska by utility companies, construction companies, fisheries biologists, regulatory agencies, and others since there are large areas of the State where little basic data is available. The complex loggers currently available cost several thousand dollars each and may measure a dozen different parameters. Simpler loggers which measure a few parameters but cost in the $500 range would have wide application in Alaska and elsewhere. Having the device produced and serviced in Alaska will be an economic benefit to the State.	$35,000
Alaska Shellfish Hatchery Development W. Michael Kaill Marine Research Company of Alaska Juneau, Alaska	Produce scallop seed from Alaska broodstock to enable commercial scallop farms to begin in Alaska. Documentation of hatchery techniques and hatchery design for Alaska will enable scallop hatchery development for Alaska.		Scallop farming in Alaska is now stymied by lack of seed, despite widespread interest. Alaska's nearshore environment is highly suited for shellfish mariculture. The potential production value for shellfish farming in Alaskan waters may reach tens of millions of dollars.	94,900
Genetic Stock Identification of Important Commercial Fish in the Bering Sea Gerald F. Shields Institute of Arctic Biology University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska	Use modern biotechnology techniques to identify stocks of Bering Sea pollock for the purpose of proper management of this fishery.		This fishery is the largest on earth, and the potential economic recovery is massive if it is properly managed. Resolution of the origin and affinities of the Aleutian Basin ("donut hole") walleye pollock population could have international treaty consequences as well as guide the thinking of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. The technology developed here could also be used to help manage a number of other economically based fisheries in Alaska such as salmon and herring.	232,738
Studies on Growth and Quality of Spruce Complex in Coastal Alaska Citikon Forest Products Anchorage, Alaska; John Alden Forest Geneticist Institute of Northern Forestry Fairbanks, Alaska	Determine the variation in survival and growth traits of spruce (Sitka and white spruce hybrids) in southcentral and southwest Alaska. Identity through genetic studies the extent of hybridization and rates of migration, and evolution of the hybrids.		Available timber stands are rapidly being harvested. Replanting and regrowth of depleted areas are going to be of ever-increa sing importance to the future timber industry in Alaska. Project will determine the origin and range of Sitka spruce to improve yields in southwest forests and to help manage plantations. Results will be used by grantee in managing its forests and disseminated to other land owners in southcentral and southwest Alaska.	56,375
Seafood Processing Tool Development Larry Smith Innerspace Technologies of Alaska Sitka, Alaska	Produce and utilize a fillet pin-bone remover to reduce the costs of value-added processing of Alaskan salmon products.		Producing high-quality, ready-to-cook entrees can increase the value of the product by two to three times, but it is very labor intensive. Automating this process will help make these Alaskan products more competitive in outside markets. Grantee will use the tool, as well as make it available for other Alaska-based processing companies.	84,550
Beekeeping in Alaska Stephen F. Petersen Toklat Apiaries Fairbanks, Alaska	Develop and disseminate information and materials regarding beekeeping in Alaska. Establish the viability of overwintering, develop an economic analysis for Alaska operations, and cultivate the potential high-end export honey market.		Beekeeping in Alaska is currently a small-scale cottage industry producing excellent quality, pesticide-free honey for local markets. Model projects will be established in Nenana and Delta to demonstrate ability of community units to produce honey for their own needs and excess honey for either wholesale or retail. Will double the number of beekeepers and colonies in Alaska. Reliable overwintering would greatly enhance the viability of the beekeeping industry in Alaska. Expansion of the market for honey production and of utilization of bees for crop pollination could have broad application in vast areas of Alaska.	86,608

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Power Generation from Alaskan Coal-Water Fuel Warrack G. Willson Energy & Mineral Research Center Grand Forks, North Dakota; Dan Walsh Mineral Industry Research Laboratory University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska; Placer Dome U.S., Inc. Beluga Coal Fields	Test the technical and economic feasibility of drying the clean, but wet, Alaskan subbituminous coal and producing a coal-water slurry comparable to similar products being used in several countries around the world.		This type of slurry is currently being used to produce over 65 MW of power in Japan and can be burned in conventional oil-fired power plants. If successful, Alaskan coal would have an opportunity to compete in the new and rapidly developing steam coal market which is projected to reach 300 million tons per year by 2005. Alaska's estimated coal resources total over 5.5 trillion tons, possibly one-sixth of the world's reserves, but the majority is classified as low-rank coal due to high moisture content and inherently low heating value. This process would upgrade this coal.	68,770
Automatic Control System for Ilizarov Orthopedic Regeneration Hardware John Pursley Autogenesis Anchorage, Alaska	Develop an automatic system to control the tensioning process of a remarkable orthopedic device which is rapidly growing in use worldwide. The Ilizarov procedure regenerates and lengthens bone, tissue, blood vessels, and nerves using an external device fixed to the bone by slender pins. Regeneration occurs by extending the device at the proper rate and rhythm, applying tension to the bone.		Automation will allow greater control of the process and more beneficial results for the patient, with less pain. This biotechnical device will be manufactured in Alaska and potentially has a worldwide market. Biomedical technology is a low-impact, high-economic-benefit endeavor with no resource depletion implications. Such broadening of Alaska's economic base is highly desirable.	227,909
Study of Terminal Area Troll Chinook Harvesting Lonnie L. Haughton F/V China Cove, Inc. Ketchikan, Alaska	Develop effective gear for salmon trolling in terminal hatchery areas under controlled conditions, and disseminate results to all Alaska troll permit holders.		International treaties have drastically reduced chinook salmon harvests for Alaska's troll fleet except for chinook salmon in terminal hatchery areas, where they are biologically much less susceptible to traditional lures, tackle, and techniques. Eighty-five percent of all trollers are resident Alaskans, and trolling is Southeast Alaska's largest fishery employer.	90,047
Commercial Utilization of Arrowtooth Flounder Melvin J. Monsen, Jr. Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska	Research and develop the most effective methods to allow utilization of Arrowtooth flounder, a fish which cannot currently be used commercially because its flesh softens when cooked.		Arrowtooth flounder comprise over 60 percent of the flatfish biomass in the Gulf of Alaska. Success of the project would lead to Alaska's deriving an economic benefit from the utilization of a fish which could yield 500,000 metric tons/year harvestable yield but cannot now be used commercially.	46,331

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Development of Alaskan-grown Malting Barley Stephen M. Dofing University of Alaska Palmer, Alaska	Determine the feasibility of adapting malting barley to grow in Alaska; assess its potential market here and in the Pacific Rim.		Barley grows well in Alaska, with yields and quality comparable or superior to that produced in the contiguous United States. However, there has proven to be a limited viable market for feed barley, and many acres previously cleared for barley production are now lying fallow. If it is possible to use Alaskan-grown barley for malting, Alaska's ability to produce barley may be utilized to supply brewing markets both within Alaska and by export to the Pacific Rim.	6,500
Applicability of Siberian Placer Mining Technology to Alaska Frank J. Skudrzyk Mineral Industry Research Laboratory University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska	Assess Siberian placer mining technology, exploration, engineering design and mining methods, processing and recovery, water treatment, and reclamation.		Approximately 80,000 people are employed in metal mining in Magadan Province, and the Soviets are generally recognized as the world's experts in exploration for the mining of placer deposits. The project will expedite transfer of appropriate technology to Alaska's placer mining industry and involves active industry participation to maximize the usefulness of the information developed.	36,592
Mined Land Reclamation with Woody Browse Species Yoshimitsu Mimuroto Idemitsu Alaska, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska; James E. Helling McKinley Mining Consultants, Inc. Palmer, Alaska	Expand and demonstrate the technology necessary for reclaiming mined land and reestablishing natural vegetation.		The project will occur in the permit area of the proposed Wishbone Hill surface coal mining project, eight miles north of Palmer, and will assist the development of the Matanuska Valley Moose Range. It will act as a demonstration and study area for similar projects restoring mined land for wildlife habitat and will ultimately help to promote the responsible development of Alaska's mineral resources. End users such as mining, forestry, and landscaping communities will learn reasons and methods to match plant species with soil conditions on their own sites.	31,103
Forest Products from Alaskan Native Trees Edmond C. Packee Division of Forest Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska	Analyze and identify native tree resources from the standpoint of potential end use resource volume, worldwide market for similar species, and production processes.		The project will determine resource requirements for native tree species trees to be used by forest product companies in Alaska. Minimum and optimum facility size for economic viability and competitive position in world markets, as well as suitable species and minimum volume of resource essential for successful operation, are items to be detailed. There are untapped millions of acres of boreal forest in central Alaska. An advisory committee of representatives from the timber industry will assist in assessing and disseminating results to maximize the economic benefit to Alaska.	19,050

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Low-cost District Heating for Rural Alaska Earle Ausman Polarconsult Anchorage, Alaska	Develop a simplified means of providing district heating to small structures in rural communities. The system will be designed and manufactured so that special equipment is not needed, and it can be installed by hand without machinery. There will be instructions to enable smaller type connections to be made without the need for expensive technical assistance.		Providing more reliable and less costly heat is of critical importance in many areas of Alaska. By designing more effective and less complicated ways to interconnect generators, district heating systems can use a central boiler, burning lower grade fuel, and save great amounts of money for a community. The materials being used will also be less subject to breaking by freezing or ground movement. The Alaska Energy Authority will select the test site and help evaluate; successful results could extend the number of waste heat recovery units that would be economical.	46,202
Device to Measure Strength and Movement of the Neck and Lower Back J. Chelsea Lepley Alaska Research and Development, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska; David D. Beal, M.D., F.A.C.S. AK Head & Neck Specialists; J. Michael James, M.D. Morris R. Horning, M.D. Rehabilitation Medicine Association Anchorage, Alaska	Develop and test an integrated system to evaluate and aid treatment for human physical capacities for the neck and lower back. The system will provide a group of tools for rehabilitative and orthopedic medicine superior to devices currently available on the market.		Product will improve and expand the potential for understanding human performance. System would greatly benefit diagnosis and monitoring spinal injuries, including whiplash neck injuries, and would be of considerable interest to insurance, legal, and medical communities. This type of new product development and manufacturing in Alaska will enhance the State's economy and help establish a base for other similar technology businesses.	174,144
Air-transportable Research Lab for use at Remote Sites Gerald D. Myers GDM, Inc. Fairbanks, Alaska	Final design and testing of compact, high-tech laboratory unit for use in field research in polar regions. The typical field lab now used is primitive and outdated. Initial research, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, identified the need, users, and the type of facility needed.		Testing of a prototype lab module will provide information on the properties of the construction materials under arctic conditions. The acquisition of this data will allow manufacturing and marketing of these compact field units as an Alaskan product. A substantial market demand exists worldwide, including government agencies, military applications and private-sector exploration needs in polar environments. This technology could be extended so many harsh condition applications.	214,886
Potential Effects of North Slope Air Pollutants on Arctic Vegetation Robert Kohut Boyce Thompson Institute Cornell University Ithaca, New York; Alaska Oil and Gas Association Anchorage, Alaska	Measure whether existing air quality at Prudhoe Bay has affected or may affect tundra plant communities. Estimate the effects of future atmospheric emissions on tundra vegetation.		Project will provide definitive information on the effects of current air emissions on vegetation at Prudhoe Bay and estimates of effects of changing emissions. Results will provide guidance to regulatory agencies and allow effective air-quality standards to be adopted. Realistic assessments of environmental impacts are essential for the wise management of present oil operations, as well as any future development of new fields.	363,650

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
High-temperature Drying of Alaskan Coals P.D. Rao Mineral Industry Research Lab, UAF Fairbanks, Alaska; Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. DynNorTran Fairbanks, Alaska; Gilbert/Commonwealth, Inc. Reading, Pennsylvania; Western Research Institute Laramie, Wyoming	Determine the stability of Alaskan coals after drying by advanced processes; reassess transportation requirements and costs based on altered coal properties, develop an overall economic evaluation, and design a commercial plant. ParticipantsCthe Mineral Industry Research Lab, DynNorTran and Usibelli Coal MineCare making in-kind as well as cash contributions. ASTF funds will leverage $150,000 from the Department of Energy's Clean Coal Technology Program.		Alaska contains over half the estimated 5.5 trillion tons of coal reserves in the U.S. However, most Alaskan coals have high moisture content but low sulfur. Testing will involve samples of Alaskan coal, dried by the inclined fluidized-bed process under development at Western Research Institute (WRI). Success will give Alaskan coals an opportunity to compete in the new and rapidly developing steam coal market, which could reach 300 million tons per year by the year 2005.	60,056
Prediction Scheme for Volcanic Ash Fall from Mt. Redoubt Hiroshi Tanaka Geophysical Institute UAF, Fairbanks, AK	Construct software to display the orientation, extension, and density of eruption plumes from Mt. Redoubt on a real-time basis. Will provide the Alaska Volcano Observatory with the ability to publish a series of maps to accurately predict the distribution of volcanic ash following an eruption, on an hourly basis. Japan Air Lines is providing the major funds, $50,000, for the project.		Availability of such maps to local and state governments, the U.S. Air Force, FAA and airlines enroute and operating in the vicinity of the Anchorage International AirportCwill provide a significant public safety and economic benefit. While the prediction scheme will be designed for Mt. Redoubt, it can be applied to other volcanos whose eruptions pose a similar navigational hazard.	5,000
Nutrition Management of Farmed Muskoxen William B. Collins Musk Ox Development Corporation Palmer, Alaska	Identify ways to improve the nutrition of farmed muskoxen. Determine the effects on the animals' nutrition and on the pasture under light-intensity season-long grazing. Compare the nutritional quality of pasture diet and pelletized farm ration with diet of muskoxen on three different levels of browse intake, and with diet of free-ranging muskoxen on arctic tundra. Determine how to optimize muskox production on a sustained yield basis.		The benefits of improved animal and pasture health and productivity will have a direct economic impact on the qiviut knitting industry in rural Alaska. Muskoxen husbandry and its associated knitting industry are unique to Alaska and annually represent $500,000 to the State's economy.	54,000
On-site Organic Waste and Wastewater Treatment System Clint Elston AlasCan, Inc. Healy, Alaska	Monitor and document an organic waste and greywater treatment system under both laboratory and actual installation conditions. Elston's patent-pending system has been recognized by a 1988 Department of Energy (DOE) Innovations Award as an environmentally sound, economic, water-saving alternative to sewers and septic systems.		Product is a decentralized and low-maintenance system for composting waste treatment of all human and organic wastes; the greywater separation is designed to produce clean effluent. Ideally suited for widespread Alaskan applications, the ASTF grant will provide testing data for permitting purposes, while DOE is providing funds for product development necessary to eventually establish a manufacturing operation. Market potential is enormous both in and outside Alaska.	99,500

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Remote Detection of Scour Near Bridge Piers Robert F. Carlson Dept. of Civil Engineering University of AK Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska; AK Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities; Northwest Regional Transportation Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington	Develop instrumentation to measure sediment erosion at unattended sites and provide a warning of dangerous situations. Bridge failures occurring nationwide in flood conditions have led to a federal mandate for states to assess scour at every bridge site. Project will develop a marketable system to provide remote measurements of scour events near critical rural bridge locations using miniature radio telemetry technology.		Sediment erosion in streams which occurs near bridge piers presents a serious hazard to the structure, but is very difficult to detect and measure. The project will provide rural transportation districts in Alaska with a cost-effective method to conduct the required scour inspections and an alternative to existing operations and maintenance techniques. The technology will be marketable to other state, county and municipal road maintenance districts around the nation and the world. Further applications may be made to pipelines and offshore structures, which would open up an even larger market.	110,550
Modification of Crab Pots for Harvest of Pacific Cod Melvin J. Monsen, Jr. Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation Anchorage, Alaska	Develop an effective, but "clean," method of fishing Pacific cod with modified crab pots. The goal is a harvesting method that maximizes Pacific cod catches but reduces crab and halibut by-catch. The project will use scientific sampling to evaluate the effectiveness of a number of crab pot modifications.		There is a growing concern with by-catch of halibut and crab in the enormous Pacific cod fishery in Alaska, which a new and efficient method of harvesting Pacific cod could help address. It would provide crab harvesters the opportunity to enter a lucrative fishery with minimal gear modification costs.	106,189
Commercial Development of Innovative Placer Mining Technology John T. Larson Goldstream Exploration Fairbanks, Alaska	Develop means for commercial production of a unique mobile placer mining machine which meets state and federal regulations for water and land reclamation. Requiring considerably less fuel and water than current systems, and providing excellent gold recovery, these units will substantially increase the viability of small family-operated placer mines.		An abundance of excellent mining ground exists in Alaska which is not linked to transportation corridors for fuel supplies, and has inadequate water resources or water restrictions. These units are far more cost effective than large-scal e operations. Alaska will benefit by a new manufacturing enterprise, and the industry will benefit by having service available locally for critical equipment.	150,000
Computer-aided Design for Precut Log Houses Jerry D. Green Superior Products, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska	Combine low technology log construction with high technology computerized design and drafting, to make log houses more affordable. The precut system provides a means to increase utilization of native species. It will also provide realistic alternatives for housing in rural areas which is easy to construct, and will meet building codes and lender requirements.		Individuals, communities and government entities will be able to build or provide high-quality log structures at reasonable costs using local materials. System can be expected to result in an increased use of local forest products in-state, and a decrease in use of imported logs. It will also provide a highly sought after finished product for export to Pacific Rim countries.	79,961

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Improved Permafrost Soil Detection by Electromagnetic Methods G. G. Walker K. Kawasaki Geophysical Institute University of AK Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska	Redesign of electromagnetic induction method of detecting permafrost for commercial use. The resulting product will have increased flexibility to assess a greater variety of sites, and data interpretation will be made easier. Objective is a one-person portable system with digitized output and automated data interpretation, which will supplement and provide more complete information than drilling programs currently is use.		Permafrost is a major construction hazard in Alaska. Several recently developed geophysical methods for permafrost detection give greater coverage per unit cost and are less environmentally damaging than drilling. At the same time, they have proven cumbersome, less definitive and operationally complex. The redesigned system will provide a means to acquire more comprehensive permafrost information at a cost equal to or less than drilling. Alaska will benefit by reducing maintenance and redesign work now caused by undetected thaw-unstable permafrost.	76,100
Immunity Conferred on Premature Infants by Hepatitis B Vaccine Kenneth R. Kesler Alaska Neonatal/Perinatal Research Foundation, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska	Hepatitis B vaccine is a safe, efficient preventative measure for adults and healthy infants in high risk situations. Its effectiveness in prematurely born infants, however, has not been demonstrated. This project will evaluate the response of premature Alaska Native infants to hepatitis B vaccine.		Alaska Natives have the highest rate of hepatitis B and liver cancer in the U.S. One of the most important modes of transmitting hepatitis B virus is between a pregnant woman with hepatitis B and her newborn infant. If not properly treated, these infants carry enormous personal health risks, as well as serve as a reservoir of the virus which can infect siblings, other children and pregnant women.	47,517
Construction Uses for Alaska Coal Ash David W. Evans Evans Industries, Inc. Healy, Alaska; Lufti Raad Associate Professor of Civil Engineering University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska	Develop engineering criteria and design methodologies for using Alaska coal ash, which is currently a waste product, in the construction of concrete products and highways in Alaska. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is providing matching funds and access to frost heave and deflectometer equipment. The Golden Valley Electric Association is also contributing funds in support of personnel costs for the project.		Alaska's coal-fired generating facilities produce 200 tons of coal ash daily, which is currently transported and disposed of at dump sites. Results are expected to enable waste ash to be used in concrete structures, as well as in road and highways. Such use will have a significant economic and environmental benefit for the State.	99,698
High-efficiency Methane Generator Robert L. Crosby, Jr. Biorealis Systems, Inc. Eagle River, Alaska	Develop and test a high-efficiency methane digester module. It will digest waste materials, using high temperature bacteria, to produce methane gas for power generation or heating. It represents the central energy system for a potential greenhouse/waste treatment facility.		The methane produced from organic wastes (in particular sewage in rural areas) can be used to generate electricity, heat, light and carbon dioxide for enhanced plant growth in a greenhouse or controlled environment. The digester is the focus of this project, however, and would have many heating, electricity generation and/or waste disposal applications in remote areas if successful.	55,310

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Increase of Female Pink Salmon Returning to Hatcheries William W. Smoker Juneau Center for Fisheries & Ocean Sciences Juneau, Alaska; Douglas Island Pink and Chum, Inc. Juneau, Alaska	Adapt existing rainbow trout techniques so that hatcheries can produce and release an excess of female salmon fry. The Alaska Department of Fish & Game is loaning fish culture equipment, and the work will be undertaken at the Gastineau Broodstock Laboratory, a research facility provided by Douglas Island Pink and Chum, Inc.		Over 3500 tons of pink salmon eggs were produced last year. These sold for more than $3 per pound. An increase of female salmon would mean a proportionate increase in the quantity of eggs available for sale. This would result in a similarly increased value for the tens of millions of pink salmon which return to Alaska hatcheries each year.	232,439
Steel Piling Design for High-salinity Permafrost Soils William G. Nelson University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska	Determine movement characteristics of loaded steel piles that have been placed in permafrost soils where there is a high salt content. Sufficient information will be developed to allow designs to maximize structural soundness without incurring the unnecessary costs of overdesign.		Along the northern and western coasts of Alaska, foundations for piers and buildings frequently are located in permafrost soils with a high salt content. This project will allow better design and construction in the vast areas of coastal Alaska where structures need to be built in permafrost areas in or near salt water.	82,500
Treatment of Icy Roads Without the Use of Salt Dino Talavera D & E Excavating Wasilla, Alaska	Field and laboratory testing of newly patented system of storing sand without salt for use in winter sanding applications. Both the Alaska Department of Transportation and the Municipality of Anchorage are participating in the testing program.		Currently salt is imported and mixed with sand for application to roadways and runways in the winter. Elimination or reduction of the need for salt will have an economic benefit to the responsible government entities. More importantly, it promises to decrease the massive damage now being done by salt to roads, vehicles, bridges and the environment.	88,700
Electric Generator Protection System Tim Newton SpectraLab Anchorage, Alaska	Evaluate and refine a highly sophisticated protective instrument for use in the electric utility industry. This digital relay integrates many functions now available separately at much greater expense. It also offers valuable new protective features which are presently impractical or too expensive to provide.		This instrument has the potential of being at the technical and economic forefronts of the generator protection industry. The advanced features it provides will not only benefit Alaskan utilities; indications are that its state-of-the-art functions will provide the opportunity for a new Alaskan business which will be competitive in a worldwide market.	293,743

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Real-time Oceanographic Monitoring of Pink Salmon Robert T. Cooney School of Fisheries & Ocean Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska	Study the effects of seasonal and annual variation in surface ocean temperatures in Prince William Sound on the productivity of wild and hatchery released pink salmon. Participators and contributors to the project include the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation, Cordova, Alaska; Valdez Fisheries Development Association, Valdez, Alaska; and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Cordova, Alaska.		Satellite-linked ocean buoy will provide continuous measure of upper-layer ocean temperatures and plankton blooms. Consortium study will link measurements of fry forage near hatcheries to weather events occurring over the open Sound each winter and spring. Study results will improve forecasting methods and form basis for more effective management strategies for mixed-stock salmon populations.	311,085
Intermittent Sand Filter Wastewater Disposal System Lee Browning Municipality of Anchorage; Lowell MacNutt Anchorage Tank & Welding, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska	Design, construct, and test innovative intermittent sand filter wastewater disposal for on-site use where site conditions are inappropriate for conventional systems. The expected outcome of this project is to secure regulatory agency approval and design details for an additional means of wastewater disposal for difficult areas. Intermittent sand filters have been successful in more moderate climates but have not been proven in Alaska.		As Alaska communities continue to grow, the need and demand for cost-effective methods of wastewater disposal will also expand. The proposed system could be utilized to replace conventional systems where site conditions such as shallow groundwater, steep slopes, and proximity to surface water exist. The result of the project has the potential to enhance environmental quality in Alaska communities, especially in rural areas, by minimizing on-site wastewater discharge impacts on shallow groundwater and adjacent surface waters.	100,000
Plastic Mulch and Row Covers for Commercial Vegetable Production Jerry Purser Cooperative Extension Service, Palmer, Alaska; Ted Pyrah, Pioneer Peak Farm, Palmer, Alaska	Develop a process and document the economic feasibility of using plastic mulches, row covers and drip irrigation in commercial vegetable growing operations within Alaska.		Application of these techniques is expected to allow Alaskan farmers to grow crops not currently grown commercially in the State, produce traditional crops earlier in the season to meet an earlier market, attain a higher production per acre yield, and decrease pesticide use. It will also contribute to soil, water and fertilizer conservation.	21,850
Freeze Alarm and Protection Device John P. Zarling School of Engineering University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska	Develop a passive freeze protection system to reduce occurrences of burst pipes in residential and commercial buildings. This device will provide a low-cost detection and alarm system. The Alaska State Housing Authority has agreed to test the prototype system in fifty buildings it owns and manages.		Freezing of water and sewer systems in Alaska often results in extensive damage to structures and expensive repair costs. Final results of the project will be a moderately priced device which can be commercially manufactured and marketed within Alaska.	96,091

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Techniques to Reduce Death Loss in Relocated Reindeer Lyle Renecker, School of Agriculture and Land Resource Management, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska; Larry Davis, Reindeer Herder, Nome, Alaska	Develop appropriate techniques for air shipments of reindeer, and determine nutritional programs to adjust animals to formulated rations. Starting in 1991, reindeer will be shipped annually from the Seward Peninsula to a farm setting at Delta Junction for finishing and replacement of breed stock.		Currently, an intensive reindeer ranching industry in the interior of Alaska is being developed. Study will provide the necessary shipment protocol and husbandry techniques for safe, rapid, and efficient industry development. Evaluation of probiotics for stressed animals and digestive conversion of range fed stock to formulated rations will be immediately applied in this industry. Results will also be applicable to other game farmed species.	16,247
Birch Sap Commercialization Jeff E. Weltzin The Original Alaska Birch Syrup Company, Ester, Alaska	Develop, compile and share essential information concerning birch tree physiology as it relates to sap quality and production. Demonstrate efficient water elimination methods for birch sap using reverse osmosis technology. Work together with Marlene Cameron (project 42) to establish a cooperative of Alaska birch sugarmakers in support of the growth of this industry in Alaska.		Birch stands on public and private land in Alaska are plentiful, and birch syrup products have a ready market as specialty items which can be produced in a cottage industry setting. Barriers to product development primarily relate to the quantity and type of sugar contained in birch syrup. The goal of these projects is to refine collection and water reduction techniques enough to make birch syrup, to research and develop additional products from birch syrup, and to provide this information to potential industry participants.	39,050
Research and Development of a Birch Sap Products Industry Marlene Cameron Wasilla, Alaska; Eric G. Holmberg, Department of Chemistry/Physics, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska	Together with Jeff Weltzin (project 41), develop, compile and share essential information concerning birch tree physiology relating to the properties of birch sap. Develop requirements for a portable sugar house collection system. Determine characteristics of sugar derived from birch sap in order to develop additional commercial products.		Birch stands on public and private land in Alaska are plentiful, and birch syrup products have a ready market as specialty items which can be produced in a cottage industry setting. Barriers to product development primarily relate to the quantity and type of sugar contained in birch syrup. The goal of this project is to refine collection and water reduction techniques enough to make birch syrup and other products derived from birch syrup commercially viable, and to provide this information to potential industry participants.	85,233
Development of Simplified Tests for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Toxins Scott T. Smiley Institute of Arctic Biology University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska	Employ new methods using antibodies for identifying PSP toxin molecules, leading to a simple commercially feasible test. The objective is to allow development of a test which is quick, simple to use, inexpensive and which can be used in the field prior to shellfish harvest. PSP is one of the fundamental impediments to commercial shellfish operations in Alaska.		A simplified field test for the presence of PSP toxins would allow shellfish producers in Alaska to test their product before incurring the expense of harvesting and storing. It would benefit producers who culture shellfish, as well as those industries which harvest wild stocks. Advisory oversight of the project will be provided by representatives of the shellfish industry and regulatory agencies.	128,537

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Determine Feasibility of Using Nitrogen-fixing Plants to Improve Forage in Delta Bison Range Stephen D. Sparrow Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station Fairbanks, Alaska	Assess whether select nitrogen (N) fixing plants can be used as nutritional forage for wild and domestic ruminants in Interior Alaska, if they will be palatable to wild bison, and if they can reduce fertilizer N inputs on the Delta bison range (DBR). Interior Alaska soils are notoriously N poor and normally require fertilization to produce feed.		The DBR has only been partially successful in keeping bison out of farmers' fields during critical periods, and costs of maintaining the range are high. Additionally, a major constraint to livestock farming in Alaska is the short grazing season, forcing farmers to rely on expensive stored feed. The final product will be a specific management option for the DBR and a set of recommendations for range/pasture managers in Alaska to make effective use of N-fixing plants.	55,250
Permeable Wave Barrier Development Dennis Nottingham Peratrovich, Nottingham & Drage, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska; City of Seward Seward, Alaska	Develop design data for an inexpensive and superior breakwater for use in Alaskan harbors. The Permeable Wave Barrier system will be physically modelled and tested to demonstrate its ability to stop wave attack. Cash support for the project is being contributed by the City of Seward, the University of Alaska and the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.		This project will result in a breakwater design for an expanded harbor at Seward, Alaska, but the design data for the system will be directly applicable to other harbors in Alaska. The Seward application alone will realize an $8 million savings over conventional rock breakwaters. The application to other harbors in the State has enormous potential benefits to coastal communities all over Alaska.	100,000
Use of Alaska-grown Canola in Dairy Cattle Diets Dennis Green Dennis Green & Sons Farms Delta Junction, Alaska; Mike James James Farms Wasilla, Alaska	Use of Alaska-grown whole canola seed in dairy cow diets will be evaluated through feeding trials conducted at a local dairy producer's farm and at the Agriculture and Forestry Experimental Station dairy facility. Involvement and investment of both the producer and user of the canola seed insures the application of successful results.		Alaska's climatic conditions limit the number of feed crops which can be produced. The dietary levels of protein and fat provided by barley is insufficient to support high milk production. As a result, Alaskan dairy producers currently must import large quantities of expensive soybean meal and fat supplements. Canola grows well in Alaska; its use as a nutritious and less expensive replacement for these imported supplements would be a benefit to both grain and dairy producers, and the Alaska consumer.	106,312
Development of a New Pipe Fish Pass Design for Migrating Salmon Peratrovich, Nottingham & Drage, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska; Valdez Fisheries Development Association, Valdez, Alaska	Fabricate, install and test a new, unique baffled pipe fish pass in order to determine its acceptability to migrating salmon. Valdez Fisheries Development Association is contributing the test facility at their Solomon Gulch Salmon Hatchery and installation labor. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is contributing assistance of a fisheries biologist during the field testing. The new pipe fish pass design will be tested for three species of salmon under varied hydraulic conditions.		Successful results will provide a design which is both less expensive and far superior to conventional methods. This will allow the development of currently non-productive salmon streams in Alaska. The design will be available and applicable for streams throughout Alaska and can be applied at sites which are presently too expensive or impossible to open to migratory fish using standard fish pass systems.	69,820

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Cottage Berry Industry in Rural Alaska Susan R. Adams Anchorage, Alaska; Richard B. Green Natural Garden Supply Anchorage, Alaska; Willie Pitka, Farm Manager Russian Mission, Alaska; Ken Suel, City Manager Chuathbaluk, Alaska	Promote and provide training in vegetable and wild berry production for Russian Mission and Chuathbaluk. Project will include commercialization strategies and techniques to establish an industry in rural villages that can be adopted statewide.		The cottage wild berry industry is a renewable resource that can be an economic boost to rural economies. Development of native and domestic berries into an industry will have short-and long-term benefits. The project will assist local residents to identify and map berry acreages suitable for commercial berry production.	171,820
Southeast Alaska Pink Salmon Management Ole A. Mathisen Juneau Center for Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Juneau, Alaska; Benjamin W. Van Allen Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau, Alaska	Develop a rational pink salmon management system by creating a method to provide reliable forecasts, both preseason and in season, and better defining optimum pink salmon escapement goals. Project combines the scientists who will gather and analyze the data, and those responsible for the management of the fishery. The industry itself is supporting the effort with a substantial financial contribution.		Fishing and fish products are one of the most important industries in Alaska in terms of generating and distributing income and creating employment. Inherent fluctuations in the fish resource causes great economic instability. Creating a solid scientific basis for an entire management system will provide for sustained growth of the pink salmon resource base and have positive impacts on the economy of the fishing industry and the coastal communities that support it.	201,708
High-tech, Three-dimensional Land Measurement System James A. Rogers DAT/EM Systems International Anchorage, Alaska	Develop a computer-based three-dimensional system for making measurements from stereo photography or paired imagery from sattelites. This "Digital Stereoplotter" will be a hardware and software package, which will interface with the two most popular computer aided design (CAD) packages in the industry today. Applications for the commercial product being developed include photogrammetry, geology, anatomy, construction, medicine, forensics, hydrology and forestry.		Alaska earth scientists will be able to augment current map information and improve the quality and accuracy of habitat mapping, geologic investigations, and monitoring the environment. This will enable well-informed decisions concerning land usage and application in our vast state. A digital system will not be limited by optical resolution, so that airborne and satellite information will provide very precise three-dimensional measurements of land features and objects.	180,000
Reindeer Farming: Investigation of Brucellosis Transmission to Other Species John E. Blake Julia Bevins Institute of Arctic Biology University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska	Establish if the reindeer strain of brucellosis will infect bison. Reindeer are being shipped from the Seward Peninsula to Delta Junction to attempt to establish a commercial reindeer pasturing operation. The project will seek to identify the risk to the Delta bison herd.		Reindeer farming is being initiated in interior Alaska. As part of efforts to ensure the success of this industry, it is important for Alaska to know if the reindeer strain of brucellosis is infectious for wild or domestic ungulates. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease of animals and man, and is common in Alaskan reindeer herds.	118,892

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Multiplatform Accounting Software Scott A. Henderson Finite Technologies Incorporated Anchorage, Alaska	Develop a computer software package for business accounting which can be used with a variety of computer systems. It will be created with the latest compiler technologies to provide unique capabilities. Suitable for use by small or large companies, it will give a business which is growing and changing an easy path to a superior system, regardless of the current hardware or software in use.		Product will be highly competitive nationally as well as internationally. Not seriously disadvantaged by shipping distances and environmentally clean, computer-related endeavors will truly broaden the economic diversity of the State. Successful software development in Alaska can also stimulate related high technology development and could be expected to help retain and attract highly talented and innovative people for Alaska.	123,946
Stream Rehabilitation Technology and Education Project William J. Hauser Alaska Department of Fish & Game Anchorage, Alaska; Health and Human Services Municipality of Anchorage; Anchorage School District Anchorage, Alaska	This is a joint project to evaluate and improve the process of restoration of degraded streams. Fish habitat improvement structures to be installed in Campbell Creek and other Anchorage streams will be evaluated for effectiveness in providing improved survival and growth of young salmon and trout. Project incorporates students from the Anchorage School District, as well as other volunteer labor, to assist the professional biologists and engineers.		Alaska's fishery resource is its most important renewable natural resource, providing more jobs than any other industry. Results from this project will be applied to improve stream habitat and produce more fish. With student and volunteer involvement, there will be increased public awareness and understanding. Project also provides an improved educational program with hands-on activities that integrate fishery science with other curriculum such as physical and chemical sciences, math and english. Engineering designs, guidelines and fact sheets will be available for other teachers, agencies and scientists throughout Alaska.	78,800
Design and Develop a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle Peter H. Diamandis MicroSat Launch Systems Herndon, Virginia; Bristol Aerospace Ltd Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Saab Space Goteborg, Sweden; Thiokol Corporation Huntsville, Alabama	Design and build a low-cost, reliable orbital launch vehicle to carry small (less than 300 lbs) payloads into low-earth polar orbit for commercial, governmental and university customers. MicroSat seeks to conduct a majority of its operations from Alaska's Poker Flat Research Range, Fairbanks, and is pursuing an exclusive agreement for launches into polar orbits with the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation.		Poker Flat Research Range is an ideal launch facility for MicroSat since 80% of its business is projected to be launches to polar orbits. Project intends to enhance the mission planning and payload integration capabilities of Poker Flat, which now is limited to sub-orbital launches for scientific research for university and government customers. Project will open up a new realm of scientific, educational and commercial opportunities.	700,000

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Optimizing Grass Seed Production in Alaska Patrick Mulligan Mulligan Farms Palmer, Alaska; Alaska Plant Materials Center Palmer, Alaska	Compare clean seed yield and cost of production for two native-type Alaska grasses under two planting methodsCtwenty-inch rows and solid planting. A complete record of fixed and variable costs for all cultural operations will be compiled so that Alaska growers will know the most efficient methods of seed production.		Project could provide alternative crops for otherwise unproductive land already cleared at Delta Junction and Point McKenzie. It would allow diversification into crops unique to Alaska and permit production in commercial quantities of seed at a price that will encourage widespread use. In revegetation of disturbed lands, availability of seed will reduce the requirement for use of introduced species that are foreign to the northern environment. The Yukon and Northwest Territories of Canada are potential users of this Alaska produced seed.	13,400
Regeneration of Alaska's White Spruce Forests Following Timber Harvest Tricia L. Wurtz Institute of Northern Forestry Fairbanks, Alaska	Develop a new strategy for regeneration of harvested white spruce forests using mixed plantings of spruce and alder. Project will determine optimum planting density and spruce/alder ratio to limit the intense competition from grasses which now often cause white spruce restocking efforts to fail.		Forests are one of Alaska's most valuable natural resources. While forests are renewable, the rate of harvest exceeds the rate of regeneration. This project will address one of the major reasons for failure of efforts to restock white spruce, the intense competition of the grass Calamagrostis canadensis in areas suddenly exposed to light.	133,004
Kodiak Green Sea Urchin Development Project Mark R. Donohue Kodiak Area Native Assn.; Mark Blakeslee AquaLife Engineering Kodiak, Alaska	Investigate the technical and economic feasibility of holding and feeding wild harvested market size green urchins in land based raceways. Measurements of urchin response to feed ration, stocking density, seawater flow rate, and other operational factors will provide the data for a business analysis for a commercial venture.		The green sea urchin occurs in Alaskan waters from Ketchikan to the Pribilofs and is a highly marketable and valuable resource. A sustained commercial fishery in Alaska has only occurred in Kodiak, and this has never reached its full potential and has declined for the past two seasons. The long term objective is to provide a consistent supply of highest quality urchins for the Japanese market.	87,623
Preservative Treating of Alaska White Spruce Kevin C. Curtis Department of Civil Engineering University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska	Apply and evaluate a double-diffusion preservative treatment to wide-dimension white spruce lumber. The material will be used by the Alaska Division of Forestry as bridge timbers and for railroad ties by the Alaska Railroad. Performance of the treated timbers will be measured over a 20-year period. Project will provide a cost analyses, as well as a suggested procedure for setting up a double-diffusion treatment operation.		Alaska white spruce is well suited to uses, such as timber bridges and railroad ties, which require high strength to weight ratios. However, preservative treatment is required for uses which include weather exposure or soil contact, and white spruce cannot be effectively treated with conventional pressure methods. Currently, most preservative treated wood used for posts, poles, foundations, bridge timbers, and railroad ties in interior Alaska is imported, and this will allow the use of local product.	61,250

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Properties of Alaska White Spruce for Construction Uses Kevin C. Curtis Department of Civil Engineering University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska	Measure the mechanical properties of Alaska white spruce and Lutz spruce (a hybrid of white and Sitka spruce) for incorporation into modern, national timber design standards. Project will provide fully documented strength and stiffness values for these wood species.		Alaska has abundant stands of white and Lutz spruce. Project will allow engineers to design structures using these species which meet nationally accepted design standards. Canadians currently market a spruce-pine-fir lumber which has fairly low engineering design properties. Both Alaska white and Lutz spruce properties are expected to be higher, which would make them a much more attractive alternative for engineered uses.	51,558
Develop and Test Two-piece, Take-down Archery Longbow for Alaska Manufacture Jack Harrison Anchorage, Alaska	Develop, test and market a two-piece longbow. Project will improve design and construction of unique longbow to maximize commercial viability. Design and fabricate testing machinery which can measure and optimize bow performance using today's technological advances in structural composites.		Result will be a high value-added product in a growing market, ideal for Alaska manufacture. Marketing effort for these state-of-the-art bows and accessories should benefit from Alaska's image. The testing of bows for important performance and safety characteristics will be a service available to other manufacturers and bow users. Patented two-piece take-down design also has applications for other products ideally suited to Alaska manufacture.	101,195
New Refrigeration System for Rural Fish Processing Using Waste Heat Donald C. Erickson Energy Concepts Company Annapolis, Maryland; Gary Smith Alaska Energy Authority	Develop and demonstrate in Kotzebue a new absorption refrigeration system to provide low-cost ice for the fish processing industry. This unique system avoids the need for new electric generating capacity and keeps costs low by using waste heat from existing electric generating plants.		At the same time that Kotzebue obtains a lower cost, increased ice supply, the State will enjoy a reduction in the Power Cost Equalization Program subsidies. Other Alaska villages will be able to benefit from the technology to be developed in Kotzebue. A business will emerge based on licensing the technology in Alaska and exporting it to developing countries in the Pacific Rim.	317,982
Arctic Pak Development Rex Plunkett LLR Technologies, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska	Complete development and test an energy management device for internal combustion engines. The unit will monitor air temperature and manage multiple AC power outlets to the engine and interior heaters or other devices. It will also continuously charge a vehicle's battery. Reduction in block heater electrical consumption could reach 70%.		Engine block heaters are used extensively in Alaska, and the product will also be marketed in other cold regions of the world where energy costs are substantial. Identification of important features and Beta testing of the units will be done both in Alaska and elsewhere. Product lends itself readily to manufacture in the State and to marketing nationally from within Alaska.	130,000
Develop Quality Feed Products Using Fishery Waste Products Mark K. Buckley Buckley Fisheries; Jerry Babbitt National Marine Fisheries Service; Charles A. Crapo Fishery Industrial Technology Center; Kodiak Island Borough Kodiak, Alaska	Upgrade fishery waste to permit manufacture in Alaska of quality salmon hatchery and livestock feed. Project includes pilot scale manufacturing and testing of feed produced from whitefish wastes. As a result of the initial feasibility effort funded by Kodiak Island Borough, 20 tons of product has been requested for field tests in Idaho and Alaska.		The Environmental Protection Agency recently has banned the practice dumping fish processing waste at sea. This project will demonstrate that formerly discarded fishery wastes can be transformed into useful value-added products having markets inside and outside the State. Results will benefit Kodiak and other Alaska communities with similar problems.	475,000

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Knik Arm Oceanographic Model Douglas F. Jones Coastline Engineering; H. Glenzer, Jr. Port of Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska	Evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of developing a comprehensive oceanographic (computer) model of upper Cook Inlet. With the participation of potential users, set up model requirements, identify the costs for model development, and secure the funding to develop the computer model. A Request for Proposal for actual modeling will be the final product, with the funding for the work coming from the groups and individuals who have an interest in obtaining this decision-making tool.		Large magnitude tides, large quantitites of fine sediments and winter ice conditions make the upper Cook Inlet an exceedingly complex marine system. Petroleum activities off the Kenai Peninsula and resource development along the railbelt will continue to fuel new activities in upper Cook Inlet. Sound development requires objective, comprehensive means to assess engineering and environmental impacts of alternatives. Expertise gained in model development could be applied in other marine areas in Alaska.	40,390
Biological Methods of Treating Mine Waste Water for Cyanide and Heavy Metals Peggy J. Arps Institute of Arctic Biology University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska; Paulette Altringer U.S. Bureau of Mines Salt Lake City, Utah; Citigold Alaska Inc. Fairbanks, Alaska	Evaluate the performance of bacteria known to oxidize cyanide and precipitate heavy metals in waste water from an Alaska precious metals mining operation. Assess the effects of Alaska's climate conditions on the performance and survival of these bacteria, and determine the effects of chemical freezing point depressants. Conduct conceptual design and comparitive economic analyses for mine wastewater treatment facilities using biological methods.		Cyanide leaching process is increasingly being used to recover precious metals in Alaska. Proper treatment of waste water from this process is an important environmental issue. Large, low-grade ore bodies cannot be developed without cost-effective wastewater treatment in warmer climates;this project extends that research to Alaska.	193,100
Unitized Village-scale Hydro/Diesel Generation System Scott Thompson Alaska Power Systems, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska; Erika Tritremmel City of Akutan Akutan, Alaska	Develop an innovative hydro/diesel power generation system to be used in the village of Akutan on the Aleutian Chain. Existing commercially available technology will be adapted and transferred to this new application. The innovative power plant design will be taken from conceptual stage to actual operation in a remote community.		Most remote communities in Alaska use diesel engines exclusively for generating electricity, despite the fact that many of these communities have the potential for developing hydroelectric power. Successful completion of this project will demonstrate a more cost-effective way of integrating small hydro projects with diesel generation systems, thereby providing the opportunity for more villages in Alaska to use the renewable energy resource of hydro power. Successful implementation of this project could result in lower power costs and decreased subsidies such as the Alaska's Power Cost Equalization (PCE).	249,500

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Hybrid Renewable Microgrid Power Plant Clint Coleman Northern Power Systems, Inc. Moretown, Vermont; Alaska Diesel Electric Anchorage, Alaska; National Renewable Energy Lab Golden, Colorado; Sandia National Labs Albuquerque, New Mexico	Develop and demonstrate village and small industry scale renewable energy hybrid power systems for use in the remote villages of Alaska. The project will focus on improving the reliability, quality, and cost of electricity by enabling the latest in renewable energy components to be incorporated with an improved cycling diesel power plant.		Village power systems require their generators to run constantly. When loads are light, excess energy is produced, and the equipment is running at less-than-maximum efficiency. This is hard on equipment and demands a great deal of extra maintenance. The proposed project will benefit rural communities by providing standardization for power plants, modular packaging to streamline installation, significant fuel savings, and the ability to take advantage of renewable energy sources. The project will culminate with a commercial product ready for standard production by Alaskan industrial power businesses.	210,000
Photoperiod Enhancement of Salmon Production William Smoker University of Alaska Fairbanks Juneau, Alaska; Ladd Macauley Douglas Island Pink & Chum, Inc. Juneau, Alaska	Develop a photoperiod control process to increase growth of hatchery salmon presmolts without unwanted side effects. Pilot scale and lab trials will produce a recommended schedule of artificial day lengths for the culture of smolt speciesCspecifically coho salmonCwhich will be distributed to Alaska hatcheries.		Survival of salmon smolts, released in the spring, depends on the smolts having reached an adequate or larger size. Leaving hatchery lights turned on longer each day shows promise of increasing the growth of salmon presmolts in the fall. If this technique is successful, the multimillion dollar Alaska coho and chinook ranching industry will significantly realize lower costs and increased revenues.	152,250
Hydroelectric Barge for Tidal or Deep River Power Generation John R. Bulkow Hydro Alaska Anchorage, Alaska	Develop a small-scale barge-mounted hydroelectric facility. It will include a retractable hydroelectric turbine mounted on a dual hull barge suitable for tidal and/or deep river power extraction. Gather and analyze data regarding the amount and quality of the electric power which can be produced. Analyze the economic and technical feasibility of developing a larger second-generation model. The unit being constructed under this grant will be a prototype for a stand-alone unit for small scale use along the coast or large rivers.		Diesel generators produce the majority of power in rural Alaska currently, which is quite expensive because of cost of the fuel. Most rural communities are located on waterways, with the potential of being harnessed to provide low cost power if this project proves successful. This idea has been discussed for years, but never tested. This would be proof-of-concept of a technology possibilities for savings for rural Alaskans, as well as for the State's Power Cost Equalization Program.	98,310

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Variable Speed Power Generation System Dan Stockdell Kodiak, Alaska; Rene Spee Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	Design a turbine similar to a wind turbine to operate in moving water. A duct will accelerate the water flow through the turbine. Modify a unique variable speed generator to operate at low shaft speeds. 60 Hz AC power to be produced can be directly tied to utility systems. Planning is for testing to occur in Kotzebue Sound, with Kotzebue Electric Association monitoring output.		Power produced by diesel systems in rural Alaska is expensive to the user and to the State through the Power Cost Equalization Program. Moving water offers a nearby consistent natural energy flow to the many rural villages which are located along rivers. At many sites, in-stream water power offers advantages over other renewable resource choices, and this system would not require a dam.	142,642
Development and Commercialization of the RF Plasma Torch Hazardous Waste Treatment Technology Dr. Alfred Y. Wong University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles, California Environmental Systems, Inc. Fairbanks, Alaska	Develop high-temperature remediation system for a hazardous and mixed-waste. Utilize a patent-pending electrodeless radio-frequency plasma torch as the central processor to reduce hazardous and mixed (including radioactive) waste materials to safe materials.		This system is a potential high-tech solution to Alaska's difficult and costly hazardous waste treatment problems. It incorporates a high temperature (greater than 10,000 degrees C) plasma torch, coupled to appropriate material handling and separation units, to cause the complete destruction or reduction of wastes. The Plasma Torch Remediation Unit may help recover valuable metals and will prevent the recombination of wastes into undesirable products. It should reduce many more waste materials to a nonhazardous state than conventional remediation systems.	1,121,426
RangeMapper: A Macintosh World Mapping Program Kenelm W. Philip Fairbanks Software Cooperative Fairbanks, Alaska	Produce a commercial Macintosh software package "RangeMapper" that will map and plot data at scales ranging from low resolution world map size down to regions of 50 square miles or so. Transform existing mapping files to RangeMapper compressed format. The program is a medium-resolution mapping data base combined with an easy-to-use mapping/plotting program.		Many scientists, businesses, and government agencies at all levels in Alaska have a continual need for graphic display of map-based data. RangeMapper is a tool for fast, accurate, convenient, and economic desk-top plotting of data points. Since geographic coordinates are more commonly used in northern regions, it is optimized for the task of displaying latitude/longitude data. RangeMapper will be marketed first in Alaska and North America, and, potentially worldwide.	53,202
Escape Panel Strategies in Pot Fisheries Melvin J. Monsen, Jr. Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska; University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska; Alaska Department of Fish & Game Homer, Alaska	Design better escape panels for use in fish pots. The study will determine the effects of Alaska's water temperatures and salinity on Galvanic Timed Releases (GTRs) and identify the correct timing to minimize cannibalism and starvation for Alaska crab species caught in lost pots.		This project is designed to directly benefit the pot fisherman of coastal Alaska by reducing the waste of the resource. Each year, during the pot harvest seasons, thousands of pots are lost, becoming death traps for both crab and fish that continue to be lured into them. Escape panels are currently fastened with hand-tied string, which is labor intensive, unreliable, and difficult to regulate.	86,577

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Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Demand-based Bioremediation Don K. Button Institute of Marine Science University of Alaska Fairbanks; RZA-Agra Anchorage, Alaska	Develop an efficient bioremediation procedure using seawater spray enriched by terpenes. Goal is to enhance the rate of biodegradation of weathered oil in marine environments, particularly in porous beaches of the type oiled during the Exxon Valdez spill. This project will determine frequency and range of application rates to maximize terpene-oil interactions.		Alaska still suffers from weathered oil remaining in beach sands and gravels. This bioremediation process will cause minimal disturbance to visible organisms and to the beach itself. It is expected that the oil will be softened, biodegradation accelerated, and remaining residues depleted. Success rates of solving state environmental problems with expertise from national agencies has not been encouraging. An Alaskan project, incorporating knowledge of conditions, can develop appropriate technology in the State and export it, rather than the reverse. If results are successful, several companies are currently looking for a good bioremediation process to apply, both in Prince William Sound and in the Middle East.	100,000
Kenai Peninsula Polyculture Greenhouse Abby L. Ala Soldotna, Alaska	This project will adapt and measure the effectiveness of alternative greenhouse techniques in the Alaskan environment. Heat and nutrients will be internally cycled through an integrated system of solar panels, composting, and the use of waste byproducts from raising fish and chicken. The project will demonstrate and document the economics of innovative organic production of vegetables for local Alaska markets.		Results achieved by the innovative techniques and technology tested will be available to Alaskans in other areas who are interested in similarly integrated greenhouse operations. Fresh produce is both scarce and expensive in remote areas of the State. By customizing self-sustaining greenhouse procedures for Alaska conditions, small-scale greenhouse operations might prove feasible for many remote Alaska locations.	77,870
Reservoir Characterization for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Schrader Bluff Pool, Milne Point Unit Dr. G. D. Sharma University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska John L. Stalder Conoco, Inc. Houston, TX 77252	Define the Schrader Bluff reservoir in order to design secondary and tertiary recovery methods for economic production. Provide a sound basis for selecting enhanced oil recovery methods which would be most efficient and economical in the giant and complex West Sak field.		Production of oil in Alaska is important to the economic well-being of all Alaska, since over 85% of the State's current revenue is derived from oil production. Oil production in Alaska has peaked and Prudhoe Bay has started to decline. Untapped resources of West Sak field, which lie west of Prudhoe Bay, contain over 25 billion barrels of oil and could produce well into the next century. However, recovery from this giant field will require reservoir characterization to develop new and innovative displacement and production techniques. Without research investment, this field cannot be commercially developed.	300,000
English Bay Sockeye Lake Pen Rearing Development Project David Daisy Chugach Regional Resources Commission Anchorage, Alaska Nanwalek Traditional Council English Bay, Alaska; Bureau of Indian Affairs Alaska Department of Fish & Game Anchorage, Alaska	Develop lake pen rearing techniques for English Bay sockeye salmon. Create prophylactic methods to protect smolt against the gill parasite and other disease infestations. Smolt will be raised to the proper size and condition in a lake pen, then released for spring outmigration to salt water. Goal is to increase the run to the 300,000 to 400,000 level, several times higher than the English Bay River system can produce naturally.		This project will produce sufficient numbers of sockeye smolt to be self-supporting for the communities of English Bay and Port Graham. There are numerous lakes throughout coastal Alaska that could produce sockeye smolt if a cost-effective method could be developed to feed these fish in the lakes. Efforts to stem the sockeye decline through regulatory management techniques have not been successful. Lake pen rearing is an inexpensive method for producing large quantities of smolt. Most previous work has been done in the private sector and little in-depth information is available.	315,000

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Fabricated Food Products from Salmon Muscle Proteins Gour S. Choudhury University of Alaska Fairbanks Kodiak, Alaska Richard D. Bishop Silver Lining Seafood Company Ketchikan, Alaska	Develop value-added nutritive food products of varying textural attributes using twin-screw extruder technology. Salmon muscle proteins will be recovered from low-value salmon and byproducts of fillet and canning operations. Combine salmon protein with starchy food ingredients such as Alaskan potatoes to produce convenience-type food products.		Dwindling market share for Alaska's salmon calls for more attention to diversifying products made from salmon and creating new markets. Extrusion cooking offers flexibility to produce food commodities of desired nutritional balance in an appealing form. Project can enlarge the market share of seafood, add value, and lead to development of secondary processing in Alaska.	172,243
Blue Heron Mussels John H. Brainard Blue Heron Sea Farm; Aldeana M. Hoffman Dejon Delights Haines, Alaska	Develop a comprehensive process for growing and processing the Alaska blue mussel. The project will also design, build, and test a low-cost, easy-to-ship, new rack system for mussel culture. It will result in marketing a plentiful raw resource as a high-quality, ready-to-eat product for consumption in a growing local and national markets.		The project will develop an economically feasible system of mussel culture and processing. Value-added products produced from raw mussels will enable Alaskans to share in the growing commercial sales of the national shellfish industry. Mussel culture and processing has the potential of being a four-season business in Southeast Alaska.	19,700
Bioengineered Riverbank Rehabilitation Richard Underkofler City of Soldotna Soldotna, Alaska; Gary Sonnevil U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Kenai, Alaska Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association Soldotna, Alaska	Design and test a vegetative bank rehabilitation and stabilization system for use in Alaska along a portion of the Kenai River which has been severely impacted by intense recreational use. The bioengineered design will use native plant species, and incorporate fishing access, bank stabilization and the restoration of juvenile salmon habitat. An Alaskan engineering firm will be retained to work with a nationally prominent expert in bioengineering to bring this stream erosion remediation technology to Alaska. The Kenai Borough, Department of Natural Resources, Kenai River King Salmon Fund, Soil Conservation Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Trout Unlimited and Coastal America have agreed to contribute technical support and in-kind services to the project.		Previous bank erosion on the Kenai River has been stabilized with rock riprap, which is excellent at stopping erosion, but destroys critical bank fish habitat upon which juvenile salmon depend. Many other river systems in the State where habitat is as important as bank stabilization, or where costs of a hardened stabilization system would be prohibitive, can benefit from the technology gained here. Private riverfront property owners are also anxious to identify solutions, in addition to government entities with public rights-of-way and other high-impact areas.	60,000

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Bioremediation of Oil-contaminated Soils Dr. Prasanta K. Bhunia Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. Peabody, Massachusetts; Dr. Raymond G. Gavlak Dr. James Walworth University of Alaska Fairbanks Palmer, Alaska; Daniel Basketfield Alaska Dept of Environmental Conservation Fairbanks, Alaska; Michael Travis RZA-AGRA Anchorage, Alaska	Evaluate and recommend methods for bioremediation of small-scale, contaminated soil sites using land farming and pile bio-venting techniques. Provide guidelines for estimating the cost, time, and attainable clean-up levels. The U.S. Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory is supporting the project and has obtained matching funds through the CPAR program of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Both scientific and user-oriented, practical "how-to" documentation with graphical and visual presentations will be developed.		Remediation or disposal of oil-contaminated soil is a major problem in Alaska because of the lack of disposal facilities and low-cost techniques appropriate for the climate. Due to previous civilian, government, and military activities, there are numerous sites with contaminated soils. Many sites have relatively localized contamination which has been excavated and stockpiled awaiting low-cost treatment or disposal options. This project will make lower cost remediation technologies in Alaska feasible for many sites where disposal or incineration would be prohibitively expensive.	120,000
Voice-activated Medical Transcription System Glen Graham Voice Enterprises, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska; David A. McGuire, M.D. Anchorage, Alaska; Louise Bjornstad Alaska Surgery Center Medical Care International Anchorage, Alaska	Develop a cost-effective voice-activated medical transcription system which creates medical records and operation reports in print and computer disk form. Based on information developed through installation of a multiple exam room medical dictation system, project makes the system operational in an actual surgery center for medical specialties which utilize arthroscopic techniques. The surgery center is a coinvestor in the project, will provide a beta test site for product refinement, and expects to purchase units for installation in its surgery clinics nationwide.		The bottleneck created by difficulties in obtaining fast, accurate reporting of operative and treatment procedures increases costs and decreases efficiency in the medical industry. Using the voice as the primary input allows medical operative reports, including colored photography, to be generated at the time of surgery, stored in a computer, and produced on a same-day basis. Product will address a worldwide market which can be well served from the Alaska-centered, high-tech business which is expected to result. This is the first in an anticipated series of similar products to be developed, targeting additional specialties and applications.	92,592
Highway Stabilization with Thermosyphons Donald Haynes U.S. Army Hanover, New Hampshire; Erwin Long Arctic Foundations, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska; Paul Misterek Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; John Zarling University of Alaska Fairbanks	Develop and test a horizontal thermosyphon to prevent damage to roads and buildings from thawing permafrost. The horizontal evaporator will have an internal condensate return device which will enable it to be placed under roads, buildings, etc, and return condensate to all portions of the evaporator regardless of heave and settlement prior to stabilization. It will operate even in severe depressions with high points on both sides and undulating evaporator profiles.		When construction disturbs the natural vegetation on the soil surface in permafrost areas, ground temperatures are usually increased. Under these conditions, thaw degradation of permafrost is almost certain. This new thermosyphon will work as a reliable passive heat transfer device to stabilize roadbeds and reduce road maintenance. Its ability to function in a horizontal position will reduce installation costs and provide more dependable results.	158,768

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Enhanced Resource Evaluation Using Geochronology Paul Layer University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska	Enhance mineral and petroleum exploration and regional mapping studies for resource evaluation and hazard assessment in Alaska by application of state-of-the-art 40Ar/39Ar isotope dating technology. Assist development and upgrading of the geochronology laboratory system to allow Alaska to provide high precision and economical mineral and oil analyses for both industrial and scientific purposes.		Alaska's principal economic base is in the petroleum and minerals industries. As these resources become more scarce or more difficult to extract, highly sophisticated methods will be necessary to evaluate potential resources. Alaska has vast regions for which the geology has not been mapped at sufficient detail to assess what may be present. Geochronologic information is important for helping to determine the geologic history of an area, which may provide significant clues to the resources present. Additionally, historic volcanic information is crucial for development of long-term strategies of growth and development in parts of Alaska where large eruptions have a major impact.	89,156
Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use by Expectant Mothers Jack Jacob, M.D. Alaska Neonatal/Perinatal Association Anchorage, Alaska	Analyze the prevalence of illicit drugs in expectant mothers. Anonymous urine samples will be drawn from pregnant women in Anchorage hospitals for delivery over a 12-month period. The data collected will be used to catgorize the drugs found and compile demographic information for that population. This study will complement a similar study performed at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in 1989 and will broaden the database for comparison.		This project will provide exact, rather than estimated, information regarding the prevalence of illicit drug use among pregnant women in this population. The information will be useful for better planning and targeting of both private and public resources for medical, social, and educational services. The results will also be used to enhance the public's awareness of the extent of drug use by expectant mothers and identify the impact on the health and well-being of these infants.	28,532
Development of Rotational Crops and Markets Terrance M. Vraniak Daniel K. Coben, Sr. C & V Seed, Inc. Fairbanks, Alaska	Research raising and marketing select alternative crops in Alaska also stimulate production in idle farm land in Alaska. Stimulate production by developing niche export markets, providing commodity collection and processing and offering guaranteed contracts to producers. The primary goal of the project is to identify and stimulate crop production with sufficient economic return to sustain a business in seed sales, contract purchasing, processing, and marketing.		The most successful agricultural enterprises in Alaska have been those which produce high-cash-value "niche" crops such as grass seed, wildflower seed, flowers and nursery plants, or vegetables for local demand or with a cash value high enough to withstand the high export costs from Alaska. Many crops are not currently grown because of the lack of processing facilities and organized effort to stimulate production quantities large enough to justify competitive freight rates. This project seeks to stimulate oil seed production on cleared agricultural lands, bring money into the State from the export of commodities, and create local jobs.	355,360

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Technical/Quality Investigations of Pink Salmon Blocks Christopher Mitchell Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation Anchorage, Alaska; Kodiak Fishery Industrial Technology Center; Cordova North Pacific Processors; Baader N. American Corporation; Specialty Foods, Inc.; Campbell Soup; Golden Age; Pack Systems/Intertrade LTD; Evergreen Food Ingredients; Frionor U.S.A., Inc.; Iceland Seafoods Corporation	This project initiates restructuring of the way the Alaska salmon industry approaches markets with its low-value fish. Pink salmon blocks will be produced from ocean-run and terminal salmon by two different processors. The fresh and frozen blocks will be tested and evaluated by FITC and 20 food manufacturing companies as a raw product for use in new food product development. The desired outcome is the creation of new links between the salmon industry and the food industry that will promote the use of intermediate processed low-value salmon in food products.		The Alaskan salmon industry finds itself in growing turmoil as world supply of salmon expands faster than do markets, primarily due to the growth of salmon farming around the world. This project explores using pink salmon resources in a new form and introduces the intermediate processed product to a number of food manufacturing companies for their testing and evaluation. If successful, this project will restructure the use of Alaska's low-value species of salmon and introduce year-around, value-added processing. It will open new and more valuable markets for the resource that will benefit all facets of the salmon industry.	115,454
A Tree Improvement Program for Alaska Raeann M. Edwards Fairbanks, Alaska	Initiate a tree improvement program to enhance the growth and quality of Alaska's spruce forests. Seed will be collected from prime trees in each of five breeding zones in order to establish nursery and field trials in each of the zones. Determine the genetically superior parent trees to form the nucleus of a seed bank for reforestation of harvested forests.		Reforestation of Alaska's spruce forests with genetically superior stock will enhance the value of the forest lands both aesthetically and commercially. It will encourage effective regeneration efforts by resource holders to maintain the value of this renewable resource in the future.	149,885
Cost-effective Method for Roadway Stabilization Over Permafrost Douglas J. Goering University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska; Robert McHattie Alaska Dept of Transportation & Public Facilities Fairbanks, Alaska	Investigate and document a new technique for protecting roadways from failure due to thermal degradation of underlying permafrost. Use enhanced natural convection within roadway embankments in order to achieve better cooling of the embankment and subsurface materials during winter months. Construct and field test an embankment with the new design, monitoring actual performance. Develop computer modeling programs which would allow application of the system to runway and foundation design, as well as roadbeds.		A significant portion of Alaska is underlain by permafrost which is near the melting point and thaw-unstable. Roadway embankment failure on ground such as this is the largest unresolved technical problem facing roadway designers in these regions. The technology that will be developed by this project may offer a cost-effective method for reducing or eliminating roadway failure due to permafrost degradation. This should result in significant savings in maintenance and reconstruction as well as to avoid the public safety dangers caused by permafrost damaged roads.	101,789

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Inexpensive Bioremediation of Crude Oil Spills in the Arctic Robert L. Irvine Daniel M. White Center for Bioengineering & Pollution Control University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, Indiana; Roland B. Borey Texaco R&D; Alan J. Schuyler ARCO Alaska, Inc.; L. R. Smith Amoco Production Company	Develop an inexpensive, low-te ch method of remediating oil spills in permafrost regions using microbes that exist in the tundra. Prove and document technically sound and environmentally responsible strategies for Arctic conditions which can enable terrestrial oil spills in Alaska to be cleaned up on site.		The permafrost and soils in the Arctic are not particularly conducive to in-situ remediation. Cleaning up contamination locally would be more environmentally responsible than removal and transportation to a treatment or storage site, or isolating the material with no treatment. Results are designed to lower site clean-up costs and provide a local means to restore habitat when oil releases occur in tundra areas. Application of results will benefit rural Arctic communities with contaminated areas, as well as permit effective spill response for events which occur in oil exploration activities in sensitive areas.	70,346
Seismic Microzonation: Greater Anchorage Area Niren Biswas University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska	The project will develop seismic information for the Greater Anchorage Area through site-specific measurements using a strong motion network. Data collected over three years will be analyzed through the joint efforts of experts from the University of Alaska at Anchorage and Fairbanks, the University of Southern California, the Rensselaer Institute, and Woodward-Clyde Consultants. The effort will divide the Anchorage area into subregions for which different safeguards are needed to minimize damage, loss of life and societal disruptions during future earthquakes. The program review panel includes members of the Geotechnical Advisory Committee of the Municipality of Anchorage: David A. Cole, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, DOWL Engineers; Dr. J.L. Aho, Engineering Manager, CH2M Hill; R.V. Nelson, Jr., Area Explorationist, Cook Inlet Development, ARCO; R. Tart, Jr., Golder Associates; Dr. J. Reeder, State Division of Geological and Geophysical Survey.		This information is needed by urban planners to develop emergency response strategies in the case of earthquake damage, as well as by architects and engineers to assess the failure risk of older structures and to design earthquake-resistant new ones. The investigation will lead to seismically safer construction practices in the Anchorage area. The strong motion data bank resulting from this project will be compiled in the geographic information system (GIS) of the Municipality of Anchorage, to enable professional users to obtain all relevant information for Anchorage in one place. Project outcomes include cost savings for design and site investigation, as well as minimizing damage, injuries, and disruptions from future earthquakes.	682,604
Forgewood Technology Jack Harrison Alaska Frontier Archery, Inc. Wasilla, Alaska	Refine a process that will modify wood to make it denser, stronger, and moisture resistant by treating it with controlled heat, pressure, and humidity. The modified wood will have immediate application for use as arrow shafts, bow laminations, and musical instrument stock.		Abundant forest resources are found throughout Alaska, but few result in finished products being manufactured in Alaska. The ability to refine wood in this fashion will enhance the opportunities for value-added production and widen the business possibilities based on the State's forest resources.	175,000

Continued...

Project	Description		Alaska Benefits	ASTF FUNDS
Process for the Removal of Arsenic and Iron Well and Mine Discharge Water William W. McClintock Solution Purification Company Fairbanks, Alaska	Develop a commercial process and equipment which is capable of removing arsenic and iron from well water and mine discharge waters to below DEC limits. Resulting product will be simple to operate and cost-effective to install and maintain.		Arsenic and iron in potable water supplies are problems, particularly in Interior Alaska. Additionally, arsenic in discharge waters is a major problem in Alaska's mining industry. There is pressure on both federal and state regulators to lower the allowable limits of arsenic in mining discharge water. A cost-effective method of lowering arsenic levels could help prevent the closing down of mining activity where higher-than-acceptable arsenic levels exist. Technology being developed seeks to address both problem areas.	69,460
Evaluation of Residential Composting Toilets in Remote Alaskan Communities John Olofsson University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska; John Schaeffer NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska; James Crum US Public Health Service; Greg Capito Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation	Field test and comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of residential composting toilets as a means of sanitary waste disposal in remote Alaska. Units will be installed in volunteer households in designated villages and monitored for a year. The results will include the development of objective application criteria for use of such systems in cold regions and a technical guidance manual for follow-on activities.		There is an absence of objective data regarding sociotechnical performance of individual residential composting toilets in remote Alaska communities. This has precluded acceptance and use of a comparatively inexpensive means for safe, efficient disposal of sanitary wastes in settings where it may be appropriate and effective. This project will directly benefit those Alaskans living in remote areas who depend on the "honey bucket" systems where composting might be appropriately applied. It is expected that some "honey bucket" systems can be replaced by composting toilets, thereby improving local public health.	260,716
High-temperature, Short-time (HTST) Processing of Arrowtooth Flounder Gour Choudhury University of Alaska Fairbanks Kodiak, Alaska; K. B. Park International Seafood of Alaska, Inc. Kodiak, Alaska	Develop a method to use high-temperature, short-time (HTST) treatment of arrowtooth flounder to inactivate the enzyme which leads to softening excessively during cooking. Employ HTST in one segment of an extruder manufacturing process, so that a mixture of arrowtooth muscle tissue and other ingredients can be used to produce consumer-ready food products.		Alaska has the world's largest flatfish resourceChalf a million metric tons a year in the Gulf of Alaska aloneCand Arrowtooth flounder is 65% of that resource. There is no market for Arrowtooth because a protease enzyme degrades myosin and leads to excessive softening of the muscle tissue when cooked. Producing nutritious ready-to-eat products with this abundant resource could stimulate a new Alaska fishery with potential harvest of 386,180 metric tons a year.	113,104
Medical Data Support Center Kimberly Price Medical Pathfinders, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska	Develop a computerized telecommunication support center to serve the Alaska's seriously ill and the health care industry for eventual nationwide deployment. Develop an Alaska prototype of a comprehensive medical and service database and test the prototype with trial subscribers in Alaska.		The prototype will contain sufficient information to appeal to users of health care facilities who reside in Alaska even though they may access treatment elsewhere in the U.S. The service to be provided will enhance the quality of life for Alaskans saddled with life-threatening illnesses by efficiently making medical and related support information accessible by phone. The project's long-term impacts to the State of Alaska will provide a basis for increased job opportunities as it places Alaska in the forefront of two of America's fastest growing industries, health care, and telecommunications.	125,000

APPENDIX D

Department of Revenue
Alaska Science and Technology Foundation
Small Grants: Funded Proposals

The following descriptions were prepared by ASTF staff. Note that these descriptions were the basis for receiving the original grant award and have not been updated to reflect actual accomplishments.

Project	Description	ASTF FUNDS
Chilling System for Improved Fish Quality in Gillnet Skiff Fishery John E. Alman Coastal Refrigeration Manufacturing Homer, Alaska	Fabricate and test a design for a low-cost, lightweight "blanket" to contain and circulate a chilled substance over and under layers of freshly harvested fish. Manufacture a suitable chiller system for the blanket and determine if results can be achieved similar to those with ice or refrigerated sea water. Field testing will be on the Yukon River in the Delta Region, as well as at a site in Bethel on the Kuskokwim River and a set-net site on Cook Inlet. This project would have an enormous impact on the quality of fish caught in coastal, inlet, and river fisheries where refrigerated seawater systems are used.	$20,000
Computer-monitoring System for Remote Telephone Switching Devices Jim Bennett Telcom Alaska Soldotna, Alaska; Gary Thompson Signal Communications, Inc. Soldotna, Alaska	Develop and test prototype system using personal computers (PCs) to provide monitoring, logging, and enhanced communications with telephone switches in small central offices. System will enable maintenance personnel to dial into a PC and review the sequence of events that caused an alarm. It will provide more reliability and virtually unlimited storage of logs. It will eliminate electromechanical failure and current paper systems. Design will be focused on unique telecommunication requirements in Alaska and is scheduled for beta testing at Pacific Telecom's Soldotna facility.	19,990
Full-body Shower System John E. Bottoms, Jr. Halo & Company Anchorage, Alaska	Design and test a plastic preproduction prototype of a full-body shower system. Produce precision engineering drawings which can be used to develop a plastic injection mold for the device. Select the best material for the final product and determine production costs. Operational plastic preproduction prototype will be used to demonstrate the benefits of the product to potential customers and investors.	17,529
Testing Black Spruce & Suppressed Birch as Material for Solid Wood Edge-glued Panels Terry T. Brady Alaska Husky Wood Anchorage, Alaska	Test black spruce and small suppressed birch and other hardwoods found in Railbelt Alaska for suitability to be manufactured into small log, edge-glued solid wood panels utilizing the patented Finnish Wisa-Wood Concept. Test for glue joint durability and the physical and mechanical properties of the specific species, in the age and size classes best suited to these products. In addition, dry kiln schedules will be developed for the specific species and size classes being examined.	15,470
Modified Preservative Treatment of Alaska White Spruce Kevin Curtis University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska	Develop a modified version of a double-diffusion treatment process for white spruce. Construct a diffusion cell to determine optimal values for treatment variables such as temperature and time. Alaska white spruce is classified as a "difficult-to-treat" species. The double-diffusion process will involve successive soaking of the untreated lumber in tanks containing two relatively innocuous chemical solutions. It will avoid the arsenic or oil-based compounds typically used, which are coming under increased scrutiny by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency due to adverse effects on humans and the environment. Results of this initial study will justify preparation for full commercial development of the system and subsequent patenting work.	19,900
Developing a Child Development Consortium for Special Needs Children Roy Davis Alaska Neonatal/Perinatal Research Foundation Anchorage, Alaska	Examine medical needs for special needs children and develop a statewide strategic plan with other heath, education, and social service professionals to provide comprehensive, coordinated services for these children and their families. This consortium will seek to enhance the development of special needs children, minimize delays, reduce the costs of education by minimizing the need for special eduction, reduce the need for institutionalization, and enhance the family's ability to meet their child's needs.	9,677

Continued

Project	Description	ASTF FUNDS
Year Round Composting in Alaska John R. Dean Dean Environmental Recycling, Inc. Anchorage, Alaska	A demonstration to test the viability of a commercially sized composting operation that will operate on a year-round basis for the first time in Alaska. Both the technical and the commercialization aspects of such an operation will be monitored in the project and will be documented in a practical "how-to" manual once the demonstration is complete. A successful outcome will be the establishment of a self-supporting composting business recycling organic wastes into a saleable product. It will provide a practical and environmentally friendly method of reducing organic wastes including fish wastes and sewage sludge once its viability has been proved in this state's harsh climate.	20,000
Electronic Technology Through Exploration Bobby Duffy, Sr. Anchorage, Alaska	Create a workshop design for instruction of minority elementary students in basic electronic science technology to help improve their scientific literacy and in-school achievement. The students explore the world of science through hands-on experience by making kits such as sound alarms, radios, robots, detection devices, sensors, receivers, amplifiers, and eventually a computer.	18,900
Salmon Ham Feasibility Eric Eckholm Douglas Island Pink & Chum Juneau, Alaska	Determine the commercial feasibility of "salmon ham" as a new value-added salmon product which can be manufactured in Alaska. Project utilizes technology from the agriculture industry and applies it to the seafood industry.	19,900
Planning for Private-sector University Technology Transfer Charles Graham University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska	Develop a plan to make the technical innovations and research resources of the University of Alaska more accessible to the Alaskan private sector. The plan will address how to inventory University resources and private sector interests, and to make linkages between the two to achieve the vertical integration necessary to realize the benefits of new technologies.	20,000
Floating Shellfish Harvest and Holding Facility James Hemming Eagle Rock Seafarms	Design and test a floating barge harvest and holding facility for shellfish that will meet the standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Sanitation Program. The project will be accomplished with cooperation from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, the University of Alaska Marine Advisory Program and the Alaska Shellfish Growers Association.	19,582
Safe Processing Methods for Traditional Alaska Dried Salmon Jude Henzler Bering Sea Fishermen's Association Anchorage, Alaska	Sample traditional dried fish as prepared at rural Alaska fish camps to determine if these samples contain either of the dangerous pathogens that cause botulism or listeriosis. Review the methods that are normally used in producing traditional "Native-style" dried fish, and search for improved methodology.	20,000
Evaluation of Wildflower Seed Mixes for Interior Alaska Patricia S. Holloway University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska; Gena Delucchi Nauriaq Gardens Fairbanks, Alaska	Establish some preliminary guidelines for development of a reliable, long-lasting and low-maintenance wildflower seed mix for specific revegetation and beautification projects in Alaska. It will refine a wildflower seed mix and explore the possibility of an all-indigenous Alaska seed mix.	9,755

Continued

Project	Description	ASTF FUNDS
Alaska Technology Transfer Diane S. Kaplan Alaska Public Radio Network Anchorage, Alaska	Create a "Science Reporting Unit" within the Alaska broadcasting structure that is heard by more than 80,000 Alaskans daily. It will provide sustained coverage of Alaska's science and technology issues and serve as a pilot project aimed at a major National Science Foundation grant.	19,500
Perm Applicator Lois Knight Anchorage, Alaska	Applicant has developed and patented an applicator that simplifies the application of hair products to the ethnic population. Provides for the design of cavity mold and raw plastic feed stock for developing a final product to commercialize.	16,282
Alaska Birch Bowl Small-scale Manufacturing Feasibility Study Eden Larson Alaska Birchworks Anchorage, Alaska; James Kean Autogenesis Anchorage, Alaska; Allan Johnson Wedbush Morgan Securities Anchorage, Alaska	Determine the best technology needed to produce birch bowls from Alaskan birch. This includes altering a lathe to cut different-sized bowls, possibly several at one time. The sanding processes and treatments to prevent warping and cracking will also be evaluated. The value of Alaska's significant stands of old growth birch trees would be greatly enhanced by manufacturing into wooden accessories.	13,525
Linking Alaska Minds (LAM) Computer Bulletin Board Eden Larson Alaska Inventors Association Anchorage, Alaska	Create an interactive computer bulletin board designed to enhance information and knowledge transfer between inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors to help increase economic development throughout the State of Alaska. The service will be designed to connect Alaskans with access to a computer and a modem to an extensive repository of ideas, information, and human resources, and provide the ability to interact with the resources in a way that will encourage new commercial ventures in the State. A successful project will be the establishment of a computer bulletin board that is widely used throughout the State.	19,700
Small Business Innovation Center Eden Larson Alaska Inventors & Entrepreneurs Anchorage, Alaska	A feasibility study for establishing a small business innovation center to assist entrepreneurs with commercializing innovative products and services. The study will include (1) identifying potential clientele and assessing their needs, (2) identifying existing resources currently available and assessing their strengths and weaknesses, (3) evaluating other attempts to establish innovation centers and determine the cause of their demise, (4) assessing interest of the existing business establishment in such a center, and finally (5) identifying and assessing operating costs of such a center as well as potential funding sources. The positive outcome for the project would be the establishment of a small business innovation center in Alaska that would assist entrepreneurs to successfully commercialize their endeavors.	4,945
Value-added pink Salmon Product Development R. Russell Lowell Sea Lite Seafoods Anchorage, Alaska	Develop an innovative, marketable, convenient and tasty, pink salmon product. The product will use skinless pink salmon fillets for a baked, frozen, microwaveable entree. Project is expected to result in regulatory compliance and quality assurance programs for the production, labeling, and sales of retail food products. Following successful completion, the company expects to become a major producer of innovative value-added salmon products in Alaska, with annual sales of $5 million in four years, growing to $15 million annually in seven to ten years. The primary benefit from this project will be a value-added product that will assist the commercial fishing industry.	20,000

Continued

Project	Description	ASTF FUNDS
Evaluation of Suitability of a Coarse-grained Hydraulic Bucket Sampler for Marine Placer Deposits and Mine Tailings Greggory Malinky ENSR Consulting & Engineering Anchorage, Alaska; David Carnes U.S. Bureau of Mines Juneau, Alaska	Investigate the utility and effectiveness of sampling device for marine placer deposits and mine tailing sites in Alaska. The equipment operates from a small vessel, can simultaneously collect samples--one for both geological and one for biological evaluation. Project will collect test data in a previously monitored area and compare it to the existing database for the Nome Offshore Placer Project. This equipment has the potential to significantly reduce geological and environmental data acquisition costs for marine placers. It will make the evaluation and ultimate mining further offshore, at water depths in excess of 60 ft, more cost effective and consequently more feasible.	20,000
Water Distribution System Design Improvements for Arctic Communities Michael Mauser EPE/Roen Engineers, Inc. Fairbanks, Alaska; Daniel Schubert U.S. Public Health Service Anchorage, Alaska	Perform full-scale field testing on devices common to arctic water systems and develop design criteria appropriate for village operations. Improved pitorfice designs and alternative systems will also be investigated. The results will provide much needed information and allow improved operation at substantially lower costs for existing and future potable water supply systems. Anticipated savings are several hundred thousand dollars per year.	19,800
Early Detection of At-risk Long-term Care Patients Patrick McNees Anchorage, Alaska	Develop a computerized system for monitoring body weight and nutritional intake for patients in long-term care settings. The project will utilize statistical analysis and graphic presentations to detect trend shifts in body weight. The project provides the foundation for a second module for the Core Care Management System previously developed by North Rim Systems and funded through an SBIR program.	18,740
Development of a Bioassessment Sampling Strategy for Rapidly Evaluating Water Quality in Alaska Alexander M. Milner University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska; Anthony Bulich Microbics Corporation Carlsbad, California	Water quality assessment via chemical analysis is time consuming, expensive, and frequently inconclusive. Test a system of rapid bioassessment techniques, utilizing freshwater invertebrates and a bacterial bioassay (Microtox), as a cost-effective means of evaluating contaminants in surface waters and sediments. Final development and testing of these bioassessment techniques will provide a tool for rapidly evaluating urban pollution as well as for other impacts such as mining and oil development.	19,960
Analysis of Sanitary Waste Disposal in Rural/Remote Alaska John Olofsson University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska; Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Anchorage, Alaska	Identify acceptable alternative sanitary waste disposal means for rural/remote Alaska, and generate a Request for Proposals for a relevant demonstration project. Project will complement the activities of the ADEC Task Force on Sanitation in Rural Alaska.	19,482
Off-road Transport System for Disabled People Jesse L. Owens, Ph.D. University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska	Refine the design and construction of a human-powered, off-road transport system (OTS) for mobility-impaired people to the point of manufacture readiness. The original prototype was tested in 1993 to climb, with the aid of porters, to almost 16,000 feet on Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. The OTS is designed to be used under conditions where wheelchairs would flounder, including hiking trails, beaches, rural area, and bush villages of Alaska. Benefits to Alaska and its economy include providing an important new option for outdoor activity for disabled people, providing new customers for Alaska businesses, permitting the creation of a tourism business which caters to the disabled, and commercializing of a new Alaskan product with a good potential to be manufactured in the State.	16,425

Continued

Project	Description	ASTF FUNDS
Use of Menthol to Control Tracial Mites in Alaska Honeybees Stephen Petersen Fairbanks, Alaska	Honeybee tracheal mites (HBTM) have seriously affected honeybee colony mortality in the U.S., including Alaska. Currently the only registered control for HBTM is menthol, which requires temperatures of 60-80 degrees fahrenheit for application. Using four experimental protocols and a control, this project will investigate the feasibility of colony management and methods of menthol application for fall control of HBTM under Alaskan conditions.	18,955
Evaluation of Treatment Design for Anderson Wastewater Lagoon Douglas Poage Village Safe Water Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Anchorage, Alaska; City of Anderson Anderson, Alaska	Evaluate treatment design models and equations for septage treatment in high strength wastewater lagoons in rural Alaska. Project will monitor Anderson septage lagoon over 16 months, including the evaluation of how well the freeze/thaw process dewaters sludge. The demand for high-strength wastewater lagoons is expected to increase in rural Alaska, and results will enhance design and permitting for this method of septage disposal.	6,200
CD-ROM-based Information Dissemination System Dwight Pollard Environment and Natural Resources Institute Anchorage, Alaska	Develop and evaluate a prototype CD-ROM-based document scanner, information storage, and retrieval system for data important to developing Alaska's resources. Current information management methods and technologies are antiquated, costly, unreliable, slow, and cannot keep pace with today's information explosion. This inflates information search costs and often means it is overlooked and unavailable to decision makers in industry and government.	19,964
Pharmaceuticals from Seafood Processing By-products David Rogers International Seafoods of Alaska, Inc. Kodiak, Alaska	The objective is to assess the feasibility of producing pharmaceuticals from seafood processing by-products. The major hurdles for the utilization of by-products are the high shipping cost from Alaska and low price for the products made in the past. The production of low-volume, high-value pharmaceuticals overcomes these obstacles. A resource recovery system to produce pharmaceuticals will lead to development of a secondary processing industry, increase employment opportunities in Alaska, and increase the value of landed fish received by Alaskan fishermen.	19,948
Innovative Composting of Lawn & Farm Wastes Ned Rozell Lawns by Ned Fairbanks, Alaska; Edwin Bostrom North Pole Acres North Pole, Alaska	Perfect a compost "recipe" to enhance Alaska's soils and at the same time relieve pressure on landfills by diverting organic waste to an extremely useful and needed product. Analyze the economics necessary for successful commercialization of an Alaska composting operation. Fresh grass clippings, which are high in nitrogen and make an excellent compost ingredient, are not currently being used for compost in Alaska on a large scale. Alaska's soils are extremely low in organic matter, and properly composted grass clippings and farm wastes such as rotten hay will provide material with an excellent water-holding structure that is also rich in nutrients. Recycling of these wastes can be profitable and will save valuable landfill space.	6,507
Development of Otolith Thermal Marking Standards William W. Smoker University of Alaska Fairbanks Juneau, Alaska; Scott Marshall Alaska Department of Fish & Game Douglas, Alaska	Develop standards for mass-marking salmon in hatcheries; which is economically possible by manipulating egg incubation temperatures. This project will enhance the feasibility of ocean ranching by establishing an industrywide ability to detect and discern different marks.	19,989

Continued

Project	Description	ASTF FUNDS
Feasibility of Pacific Sandfish Fishery for Japanese Markets Stan Steadman Economic Development Kenai, Alaska	Assess feasibility of a new inshore fishery for Alaska with a product to be exported and marketed within the Akita Prefecture, Japan. Cook Inlet fishermen and fish processors, Alaska regulatory agencies, and market representatives from Akita, Japan, are cooperating in the research and development of the potential of a commercial Pacific sandfish fishery in Alaska. There is a need to diversify the Alaska fishing industry so that fishermen and processors can meet permit, boat, and facility costs as the market strength and supplies of salmon in some areas decline. An option for diversification is to develop fisheries for species not now commercially caught. Sandfish are known to inhabit Alaska coastal waters, and demand in Akita for Japanese sandfish, a close cousin to the Alaska version, is substantial.	19,500
Assessment & Minimization of Predation of Prince William Sound Pink Salmon Fry G.L. Thomas Prince William Sound Science Center Cordova, Alaska; John McMullen Prince William Sound Aquaculture Cordova, Alaska	Assess the magnitude of mortality of newly released pink salmon fry due to predacious fish species. The new data will help develop strategies for releasing pink salmon fry to minimize release site predation mortality. The desired outcome is a significant increase in survival of salmon fry thereby increasing the quantity of returning fish for the benefit of hatchery programs, fishermen, and local fishing communities.	20,000
New Business Ventures at the Crossroads of the World Larry Udell Hayward California; Wayne Miller University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska	Provide week-long business opportunity conferencing between over 200 major private sector executives, government, and university decision makers from nations circumscribing the North Polar Region. The conference will focus on the art of entrepreneurship and economic opportunities, environmental issues, and the impact of new technology on the region's future. The conference will identify new economic opportunities and challenges for Alaska within and among the nations and businesses represented. Sponsors will include major financial service providers. The design for a future in-depth, five-week entrepreneurial educational program at the University of Alaska Anchorage is an expected result.	20,000
Composting Municipal Solid Waste Beth Vonnahme University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska; Jerry Vonnahme Fairbanks International Airport Fairbanks, Alaska	Test the feasibility of composting a large volume of municipal solid waste, including manure, lawn, leaf, and miscellaneous organic matter. Compost could be sold as topsoil, garden soil, and unscreened soil amendments. Large-scale commercial composting has not been tried in Alaska, due to arctic conditions. This project will test the conditions for larger-scale composting in interior Alaska.	9,912
Commercial Development of an Innovative Nearshore Oil Spill Skimmer System Marquita A. Walker Titus Corporation Anchorage, Alaska	Fabricate, test, and demonstrate for commercial production a nearshore oil skimmer design. The system will be unique in two ways: (1) its capacity to collect and store spilled crude oil and refined petroleum products and (2) its ability to operate under docks and between pier pilings. It is being manufactured by an Alaska ship builder and addresses a substantial local and worldwide market.	20,000

Continued

Project	Description	ASTF FUNDS
Red King Crab Cultural Research Lorne White ADF&G Kodiak, Alaska	Prepare an annotated bibliography on king crab culture and other cold water shellfish species, including unpublished technical reports. Hold a symposium of king crab culture in Kodiak drawing expertise from Japan, New England, Chile, and Alaska.	18,436
Fish Ticket Printer Development Bill Wiebe Summit Marine Homer, Alaska	Develop a streamlined, user-friendly method for recording commercial fish ticket information in Alaska. Field test and refine a prototype fish ticket printer that collects catch data and creates an Alaska Department of Fish & Game Fish Ticket at the initial point of the sale on board the tender boat. The device will interface with shore-based computers. Currently, the Alaska commercial salmon industry submits approximately 250,000 handwritten fish tickets to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game for manual input. Automatically computerized catch data will enhance the accuracy of the information and be available to canneries and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologists on a real-time basis, both of which will improve their abilities to manage the resource.	18,901
Earthquake Hazard in the Shumagin Islands Max Wyss Geophysical Institute Fairbanks, Alaska	Deploy seismograph stations in the Shumagin area which experienced a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on May 13, 1993. Stations will measure aftershocks to assess the probability that the current earthquake activity is a foreshock sequence to a larger earthquake. Project will form an integral part of a wider effort to characterize, understand, and mitigate the earthquake hazard in the State of Alaska.	20,000

APPENDIX E

Department of Revenue
Alaska Science and Technology Foundation
Teacher Grants: Funded Proposals

The following descriptions were prepared by ASTF staff. Note that these descriptions were the basis for receiving the original grant award and have not been updated to reflect actual accomplishments.

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
The Video Link to Understanding Science David Avery Clark Junior High School Anchorage, Alaska	The Wisconsin Fast Plants project (funded in 1992) will be videotaped to observe germination, tropisms, growth, development, and pollination. Students, teachers, and parents will participate in the labs, demonstrations, experiments, and research projects. Anchorage School District CAPS schools will join in the training and exchange of the video production. The slow-motion videos of plant, mold, and bacteria growth will be used to measure growth rates, and the time-lapse video to tabulate and graph data measured. Interactive technology activities like this are high energy and help motivate children to come to school and even spend a great deal of time before and after school. (Mr. Avery's class is 22% special education students; 43% of the school is on federally subsidized free or reduced lunch program; 53% are nonwhite.)	$5,928
East High Weather Station Roberta Bear East Anchorage High School Anchorage, Alaska	High school students will install a weather station on the roof of the school and learn to use a computer, database, and modem in conjunction with an electronic weather station. Meteorological data will be stored in the computer databaseCinformation will also be communicated via modem to Jeff Jackman's class (1991 ASTF grantee) at Butte Elementary in Palmer. Data will be available to all students wishing to use the information to prepare projects for the Alaska Science & Engineering Fair. Current atmospheric condition data will allow students to better understand weather and related science concepts.	3,506
Science by the Sea Monty Buness Stikine Middle School Wrangell, Alaska	This project links the Wrangell School District, Alaska Aquaculture, Inc., the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in establishing a microfish farm by planting salmon in a nearby stream. Students will monitor the impact of stream enhancement, fish imprinting, thermal marking of fry, and comparative survival studies. This hatchery will provide the type of real-life laboratory setting that can help students become excited with science.	5,274
Locally Relevant & Alternative Biome Project Karen Busch Chief Paul Memorial School Kipnuk, Alaska	Elementary students will be exposed to science and math (including statistics) through multidisciplinary activities organized into thematic units. These units will be developed by the project leader, in conjunction with Yupik associate teachers, and will focus on locally and culturally relevant resources. Activities will include field experiences, hands-on investigations, and language activitiesCreading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and representing. Teachers will utilize resource materials such as local experts, mini greenhouses (to be built by vocational education students), integrated science curricula (e.g., AIMS, "Wetlands & Wildlife," "Wolf Kit," etc.), and nonfiction and fiction books and magazines. Students will respond by designing and implementing investigations, cultivating plants, organizing and analyzing data, charting, graphing, writing, reporting orally, producing visual representations (illustrations, dioramas, etc.), and videotaping.	6,744

Continued

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Take-Off! Bobbie Cook Romig Junior High Anchorage, Alaska	Students will analyze and synthesize historical accounts of aviation pioneers like Charles Lindbergh, Beryl Markham, Mary Barrows, and Robert ReeveCreal-life examples of people who have used high degrees of risktaking, problem solving, and communication, in the area of science and technology, to make an impact on Alaska, their country, and the world. By evaluating the field of aviation, they will be able to apply the scientific process to other fields of science and technology. When students are successful at risktaking, problem solving and communication, they demonstrate positive self-esteem; deeper self-evaluation; and increased responsibility, cooperative effort, and creativity.	6,212
F.U.N. Kits (Families Understanding Nature) Rebecca Davenport Baranof Elementary School Sitka, Alaska	F.U.N. Kits contain everything a family needs to develop math and science process skills while exploring one of three natural habitatsCthe beach, pond, or forest. Packed into shoebox-sized containers, parents will find books, rubber stamps, identification cards, magnifying glasses, a thermometer, music cassettes, a video and a family activity guide. These kits will encourage a wide variety of activities, both at home and at the habitat site. The program will help parents of primary-aged children develop the skills and confidence necessary to continue to enrich their children's lives with enjoyable math and science activities, projects, and experiments.	1,305
Whale Research Patricia Dick Blalchley Middle School Sitka, Alaska	This project will use a natural resource that few places in the world haveCsixth-grade students will use a boat to lower a hydrophone and record the songs and noises that humpback whales make in the waters of Sitka Sound. Studying ethology and using the latest equipment for detecting sound and recording it, will increase the students' understanding of what science can be. It will also increase appreciation for the environment that we and the whales live in. Participating in whale research will inspire students to take science seriously, and they may make some contribution to saving this very intelligent endangered marine mammal.	5,199
Alaskan Animals' Biology Curriculum Stan Eller Homer High School Kenai, Alaska	Students of Alaska will have the opportunity to study, understand, and come to appreciate the incredible wildlife of this state. Teacher Stan Eller has put together an impressive collection of animal displays, mounts, hides, skulls, marine specimens, etc., which will be used to compliment and enhance the project. He will compile and package an Alaskan animals science curriculum for use by teachers statewide. The kit will include a paper copy and a Macintosh disk copy. Also included will be a master copy of eight animal/mammal slide shows with notes, a list of suggested activities, an index to videos and films, and a list of sources for materials that compliment the written materials. Copies of the kit will be sent to the State Film Library for teachers statewide to check out, copy, and use at their discretion.	5,918

Continued

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Strength Comparison of Alaskan White Spruce and Birch with "Lower 48" Species Richard Giessel Abbott Loop Christian School Anchorage, Alaska	A portable testing frame will be built and calibrated that will be capable of performing tensile strength tests on small wood coupons. The frame will be small enough for one person to transport to other area schools to demonstrate the mechanical properties of wood. Students will demonstrate the superior strength of Alaskan spruce and birch over similar species grown in warmer regionsCAlaskan woods with their fine grain will show greater strength than the faster growing and thus coarser grained southern timber. Students will experience how math and science relate to engineering and the marketing of Alaskan resources.	5,907
Goose Bay Nature Trail Jane Hahn Goose Bay Elementary School Wasilla, Alaska	Students will learn about the natural environment through the use of an outdoor laboratory trail. They will work cooperatively with other students, teachers, and parent volunteers and use a variety of tools for observing, securing, measuring, analyzing, and reporting information collected related to their environment. They will gain scientific and environmental knowledge that can be applied to real-life situations. Students will learn about appropriate human interactions within the environment of the world around themCin protecting the flora, fauna, and soil in this unique environment. With the assistance to the Alaska Division of Forestry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation Service, the outdoor laboratory trail will evolve from raw land to a trail system featuring an outdoor lab on Goose Bay Elementary School property.	5,935
Science and Math -ALIVE Elizabeth Kane Noorvik School Noorvik, Alaska	Rural sixth-grade students will develop skills using the Society of Visual Education Science & Math laser discs, software, and DCs. These programs are designed to bring science and mathematics alive in the classroom and at the same time introduce students to the latest technology. Noorvik's science program and media have been 20 years behind the latest teaching technologies. With the SVE program, students will benefit from current technologies and programs that have up-to-date research developments, while maintaining basic programs. The SVE program brings a flower to near life before youCthe same is true for many living subjects. Students will enjoy accessing knowledge and be involved in projects generated by a media that speaks to their generation.	7,427
Mt. View Environmental Education Club Janann Kaufman Mt. View Elementary School Anchorage, Alaska	The goal of this project is to design and implement training opportunities for Mountain View classroom teachers and project staff. Students (grades 3-6) will gain knowledge and skill in the natural environment surrounding their local community. They will observe, measure, and interpret weather data, collect and identify animal evidence, observe and collect data from various habitats, and key and identify plant life. Students will gain a positive introduction to environmental issues and career skills that are historically out of reach to the Mt. View students. Training future and current teachers to work with high needs children in the natural environment has been overlooked. (Mt. View Elementary School is an ethnically diverse, low income population.)	5,738

Continued

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Stream Baseline Study Patrick Krepel Bristol Bay Borough School Naknek, Alaska	High school biology students and fisheries classes will conduct a survey to assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to build a baseline set of parameters to see if human populations and waste disposal are having an adverse effect on the flora and fauna of King Salmon Creek. This study will be used to establish trends in the riparian and aquatic environment. The project highlights a hands-on approach to environmental chemistry and encourages active observation of nature around us.	5,020
Linking Math & Science through Graphing Calculators Margaret MacKinnon Centralized Correspondence School Juneau, Alaska	Centralized Correspondence School (CCS) students (grades 9-12) are students who learn at home. This project will enable home students to have access to technology and will help motivate students and home teachers. They will use graphing calculators to enhance their understanding of mathematics and science. They will visualize slopes and intersections of lines and curves; find roots of equations and relate the solutions of a quadratic equation to its factors; and use the TI-82's matrix capabilities to solve simultaneous systems of equations. A broader understanding of the mathematical concepts will be gained than by typical exercises in manipulating algebraic symbols and doing simple one-topic word problems. (Females and minority students will be given priority in receiving the graphing calculators and activities.)	5,642
Physics Computer Network Ronald Metzner Chugiak High School Anchorage, Alaska	A computer network will be linked to the physics classrooms of five participating high schools. Each station will be capable of precision timing and capable of measuring sound, voltage, temperature, and light intensity. Activities include monitoring earth currents associated with auroral substorms. Students will be using the computer lab stations in the same manner that computers are being used now in university physics and engineering classes, industry, and research institutes. They will do an average of 30 successful practice problems in a classroom period versus their usual 8 problems.	4,993
Math/ScienceCBackpacks for Home and Labs for SchoolCCONNECTIONS! Nancy Norman Finger Lake Elementary Palmer, Alaska	Primary teachers will develop expectations for grades K-2 students and express them in a profile that can easily be communicated to parents. Activities will fit in a backpack that children will carry home. This will introduce parents to math and science exploration activities in a way that will be nonthreatening and that will ensure the success of an opportunity for learning and exploring math and science together with their children. The hands-on activities will promote comfort and familiarity with exploration, questions, patterns, and observations. A home environment which promotes a "feeling of comfort" as it applies to any learning taking place in school has a strong effect not only on attitudes of the learners but on the learning itself.	5,836

Continued

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Monitoring Photovoltaic Power Joe Page Talkeetna Elementary School Talkeetna, Alaska	Students (grades 5-6) will record and analyze the amount of power produced by a fixed photovoltaic panel and compare that to the amount of power produced by a panel that is adjusted to solar incidence. They will learn about the unique solar phenomena of the northern latitudes and its specific application to their community. By recording the photovoltaic power on a daily basis, students will be able to determine the economic feasibility of using this kind of energy in the community. (Over 25 percent of the residents in the Talkeetna area are not connected to the electric power grid and rely on alternative energy sources.)	3,601
Clark Ozone Monitoring Project (COMP) Larry Read Clark Junior High Anchorage, Alaska	The Clark Ozone Monitoring Project (COMP) will give the students at Clark Junior High the opportunity to work with sophisticated scientific equipment (TERK Total Column Ozonometer), and to collect, organize, and transmit data to working scientists, becoming an important northern link in a worldwide network monitoring ozone. The money received from this grant will help purchase the necessary equipment to conduct the research. It will also give 12 students the unique opportunity of traveling to Fairbanks to visit the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, Museum, and the Poker Flat Rocket Range. In Fairbanks the students will be able to interact directly with scientists they will be telecommunicating with throughout the year. They will be able to see the scientific work that is being conducted in Fairbanks concerning ozone monitoring.	5,928
Girls in Gear Theresa Slaven Colony Middle School Wasilla, Alaska	This program is designed to involve sixth-grade girls in a once-a-week, club-type atmosphere where they will build and create science objects (like mouse trap cars). At the completion of the 13-week course, the girls will share both the objects and the experience of building them with the students at four elementary schools (approximately 800 students). They will learn problem-solving skills, scientific principles, and the mechanics of building. The long-term goal will be to inspire more girls to continue taking science classes and perhaps pursuing careers in science.	4,649
Water Quality Testing Project Shelley Stallings Revilla High School Ketchikan, Alaska	Many households in Southeast Alaska depend on water collected from roofs of buildings and stored in various containers. These systems potentially have several water contamination problems. Students (grades 9-12) will test private domestic drinking water supplies in the Ketchikan Borough. This research will show the value of using science, math, and statistical analysis in determining the safest, most healthy type of catchment water system. The project findings will be shared with the public and governmental agencies.	5,391

Continued

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Using Radio Telemetry to Study Raven Movement and Behavior Sarah Swift Tanana Middle School Fairbanks, Alaska	Seventh-grade students will use hand-held receivers to locate and track ravens that have been equipped with radio transmitters. Information will be used to compare the feeding locations of birds to their nesting sites. The study will examine variations in daily body temperatures, as well as how daily movements of birds are related to weather and day length. Students will learn about digestion by analyzing raven pellets, and genetics by considering the evolutionary implications of ravens' adaptations for survival. In addition, students will develop practical skills including compass reading, map reading, and simple statistics.	4,494
Technology under the Alders Janet Valentour Harborview Elementary School Juneau, Alaska	The primary purpose of this project is to create a computerized system for field identification and recordkeeping of wild plants and animals. This will be done through the use of a laptop computer which will be taken on field trips by students. They will be involved in creating and designing the computer system on hypercard. This will give them the opportunity to use technology as a tool in the science curriculum. They will demonstrate skills for mapping, sequencing, organizing information, using relevant vocabulary, cooperative learning, creative designing, and researching tied together with a visualized concept. The developed system will be utilized in conjunction with the Alaska Discovery Foundation Nature Studies program.	5,103
Four Corners: Decisions for the Future Nan Whitmore Colony Middle School Palmer, Alaska	Eighth-grade students will study the issues associated with wastewater and drinking water quality. They will sample and conduct qualitative and quantitative tests on their own well water. This testing methodology will yield baseline data on drinking water quality for the area from Houston to the Butte. Developing a conceptual understanding of the distribution and characteristics of groundwater resources will prove helpful in understanding the relationships between human activities and groundwater quality. It is essential that students in Alaska develop this understanding of the groundwater system prior to it becoming contaminated through thoughtless human activity.	5,761
Tatitlek Black Bear Research Project Sally Wilker Tatitlek Community School Tatitlek, Alaska	This project will study black bear density and productivity in Prince William Sound. Black bears will be captured, marked, and radio collared. Students will assist with processing the captured bears, radio tracking, and data recording. They will learn skills necessary to conduct a research project as well as learn principles of wildlife research and management. The project will provide forest and wildlife managers with a black bear density estimate and productivity information, while encouraging all parents and adults in the village to participate. The village elders will be interviewed and videotaped to learn and preserve the knowledge they possess about the black bear in the Tatitlek area.	5,918

Continued

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Skies Unlimited! Mary Armantrout Mt. Eccles Elementary Cordova, Alaska	Cordova students rarely see the sky beyond the clouds, and their understanding of our planet is limited because of this. Four teams of teachers will teach students (grades 5-6) to identify common astronomical features in lunar, solar, and stellar simulations. They will be involved in multisensory activities and will explore celestial science, develop math skills (graphing, scientific notation, exponential math), and improve their technical writing skills. This early-learned interest will affect employment opportunities laterCpilots, scientists, computer technology, etc.	3,954
Science on Stage and in the Field Louise Ashmun Colony High School Palmer, Alaska	High school students will be role models to encourage younger students to become involved in science learning. The program will be focused on solids, liquids, gases, and the magic of electricity. In the spring, they will act as interpretive naturalists for the elementary students while on local field trips. An array of skills will be developed involving planning, teaching, equipment use, public speaking, and stage performance.	3,831
A Guide to the Park Terri Austin Fort Wainwright Elementary Fort Wainwright, Alaska	Students will spend five days at Mt. McKinley National Park. They will study the many varied ecosystems found along the developed foot trails surrounding the park visitors' center. Experts will work with them to gather information that will be used to develop an elementary-level park guide. When published, copies will be distributed to local elementary schools. The classroom learning and research will be consistent with the mathematic and social studies goals established by the National Association of Science & Social Studies.	5,920
Water in Alaska Bonny Babb Turnagain Elementary Anchorage, Alaska	This project will introduce elementary students to scientific thinking by experimenting with and exploring interesting phenomena in Alaska. Elders in the community will have the opportunity to share their experiences and skills. The children will be stimulated to look for answers in the future.	4,278

Continued

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Air Pollution Measurement Gary Bender Tanana Junior High School Fairbanks, Alaska	Eighth grade physical science students, in conjunction with University of Alaska researchers, and federal, state and local air pollution officials, will conduct a six-month research project that will describe the air pollution patterns in the physical area of the Tanana Junior High School and nearby neighborhoods. Students will learn how and why pollution occurs, how pollutants are transported, the affect of weather on the amount and distribution of the pollution, and the chemistry of those pollutants.	5,920
Fisheries Ecology: An Interdisciplinary Course Kent Bovee Sitka High School Sitka, Alaska	This introduction to fisheries ecology course will provide the opportunity for 20 students (grades 11-12), in this culturally diverse, Southeast Alaska coastal community to learn scientific principles through hands-on and problem-solving applications. Their goal is to successfully transplant coho salmon fry into Wrinkleneck Creek on an annual basis to provide an annual, local, terminal fishery. (Cooperating parties will include fisheries biologists with the U.S. Forest Service, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation scientists, water quality specialists with the City of Sitka, and the local cooperative extension agent.)	5,559
Multiuse Wind Tunnel Stephen Castor Tri-Valley School Healy, Alaska	Students (grades 9-12) will develop and implement a wind tunnel testing device that will be used in technology, physics, and physical science classes. The wind tunnel will have the ability to modulate air volume and velocity, with the ability to measure varying pressure, speeds, and vacuum, and also the ability to clearly show airflow patterns. Foam models of cars and airplanes will be tested in the tunnel to measure the force at different points and to calibrate the resistance. Students will experience the role that wind has upon their daily lives in both a qualitative and quantitative manner. The wind tunnel will be used in class instruction each year as permanent science/technology equipment available to district schools.	3,920
Nordale Tigers Navigating the Skies Steven Click Nordale Elementary School Fairbanks, Alaska	Many students of Nordale Elementary School (grades K-6), known as the Tiger Navigators, will learn about various aspects of the aviation industry. Some Tigers will "see into the future" and write a plan for changes at the international airport facility. Other students will create a computerized hypercard stack which will indicate the important historical changes of the airport industry in Fairbanks. Students will also learn about various countries' air facilities, international flight regulations, and how to use a travel agent's resource materials.	3,408
Elementary Seismology 2000+ Helen Cole Iditarod Elementary School Wasilla, Alaska	With the assistance of technical expertise from members of the Alaska Tsunami Center, the U.S. Geological Survey Center, the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the British Petroleum Company, fourth grade elementary students will collect, organize, and probe seismic activity data as it is happening. Students will gain a better understanding of our environment and will be better able to demonstrate safe/healthy behaviors in the event of a large magnitude earthquake or volcanic eruption.	5,831

Continued

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Plankton Awareness Bridget Connor St. Mary's School Kodiak, Alaska	With the help of Biologist Eric Munk, Natural Marine Fisheries, sixth grade Kodiak students will correctly use a plankton net and bottle sampler. The students will make general estimates of quantity and note the difference through the seasons. They will learn to appreciate the local microscopic sea world and recognize the importance of plankton to other life forms. A videotape of their findings will be made and presented at the science fair. It will help other students realize plankton's importance in everyday life.	3,470
Discovery Pond and Trail Jana DePriest Iditarod Elementary Wasilla, Alaska	Using a unique Alaskan setting, teachers, children, and community members will construct a garden, pond, and nature trail. After the planning and construction of the outdoor science discovery classroom, students will learn how to care for it. As they watch the changes through the seasons, students will use their five senses to study about the environment they have created.	2,701
Wisconsin Fast Plants and Bottle Biology Patty Dietderich McLaughlin High School Anchorage, Alaska	At-risk and minority students at McLaughlin Youth Center will explore all aspects of plant growth and gain a better understanding of ecosystems, local environments, and the scientific process. Bottle biology is a hands-on approach to biology using plastic beverage bottles and other throw-away containers. The ideas offer teachers a low cost way to create a diverse range of experiments and life science explorations. These plants will serve as living models for plant growth and development, life cycles, inheritance, ecology, and plant biotechnologyCteaching students the role they can play in taking steps to a more constructive lifestyle.	5,831
Demonstrating Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Laboratory Rats: An Interdisciplinary Class Project Steven Jacquier Yukon Flats School District Fort Yukon, Alaska	Students (grades 4-12) will learn valuable knowledge as well as important industrial skills by adapting several classic studies investigating the effects of maternal alcohol consumption on offspring in laboratory rats. Higher-order-thinking skills will be fostered not only by direct involvement in the scientific method and use of applied mathematics, but also when the realizations of the experiments are related to the context of human health and welfare for the individual as an organism and as a citizen in the larger community. (The target communities for this project have among the highest incidence of FAS/FAE/FADE births per thousand in Alaska, and Alaska has the highest rate among the 50 states. Students in the target population thus have a high relative potential for eventually producing FAS/FAE offspring unless an effective intervention averting this outcome is implemented in a timely manner.)	6,290

Continued

Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
SEARCH Environmental Network Ken Klunder Colony Middle School Palmer, Alaska	This project will create a statewide environmental science network for students (grades 6-8) to communicate information about scientific experiments involving Alaska's environment. Students will gather and analyze information and send their conclusions back through the network. The main goal will be to connect middle-level student scientists to an ongoing project which will mature into a vast network of students sharing information and experiments. Team members are the Alaska Science Consortium, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Water Watch, Concepts for all Projects in Science, ANROE, and the Turning Points Middle School Institute.	5,831
Woodriver Rocket Club Leslie Knoll Woodriver Elementary Fairbanks, Alaska	The goal of this project is to help girls understand the positive and vital role of science, mathematics, and technology in today's world. Students will learn the principles of rocket propulsion and investigate payload launching. To accomplish these objectives, they will study theories of motion and then build and launch model rockets. The club will work in conjunction with the University of Alaska Poker Flat Research Range. A partnership will also be established with the Association for Women in Science which will provide women scientists in related fields to act as role models for the girls and lay the foundation for careers in science and technology.	5,915
Hands-on Physics Fred Kuester Akutan School Akutan, Alaska	This course will be individualized for each high school student's aptitude and grade level. To individualize, Mr. Kuester will supplement the difficult text with demonstrations and manipulatives. In order that students have a better chance of succeeding in college-level courses. This course will help to enrich their reading and thinking skills and will provide a basis for future understanding where physical matters of forces, magnetism, etc., are important to their vocational lives. (Akutan is a remote, isolated village in the Aleutian Islands. This is the first year Akutan has the opportunity to graduate students who have gone from K-12 in Akutan.)	4,906
Watershed and Fisheries David Lennihan Central Junior High Anchorage, Alaska	Central Jr. High has been chosen to participate in the nationwide Concepts for All Project in Science (CAPS) Program with which this project is designed. The program involves studies in fisheries and aquatic ecology, chemistry of water quality, dynamics of waterflow, and the geology of a watershed. Scientific data and methods will be used to make informed decisions regarding resource management and to explore the diverse social and political issues involved with watershed management. Cooperating in this effort are the Anchorage School District, the U.S. Department of Education (CAPS Project), the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Federal Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. (A number of students have been identified as being "at risk," 38% are minority, and 40% qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches.)	5,734

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Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
What is in our water? Alice LeVan Kodiak High School Kodiak, Alaska	Using a fraction of the chemicals necessary in the original scheme, students (grades 9-12) will modify a classic qualitative analysis scheme to produce identification tests. They will perform qualitative tests to determine what impurities (both natural and human made) exist in the water around us and will research the source or cause of any impurity found in water samples. A kit will be produced that will be easy to use and transport. Students will appreciate the need to minimize chemical waste and be aware of the "invisible" hazards that pollute our environment.	3,895
Noyes Slough Preservation Project Rebecca Million-Gilbert Monroe Catholic High School Fairbanks, Alaska	Students cross Noyes Slough daily as they take a shortcut between the high school and local lunch spots. One concern of educators is that students are not aware of the impact that they, as individuals, have on the environment in general and on Noyes Slough in particular. Samples and measurements will be taken from the slough and laboratory tests made to determine the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the waterway. Math students will then organize, graph, and analyze the collected data, showing interrelations between categories and growth or decline within categories. Once the data is interpreted to provide a baseline of the current status of the slough, students will hypothesize possible sources of deviations and develop solutions for preservation and rehabilitation of the local waterway.	5,920
Student Developed Interactive Multimedia Programs with a Biological & Environmental Focus John Nagy McQueen School Kivalina, Alaska	This project will promote computer literacy and environmental awareness through the development of interactive multimedia computer materials by rural Alaskan Eskimo students (grades 6-12). Students will create interactive multimedia presentations featuring various aspects of arctic wildlife including species, habitats, and conservation strategies. These materials will be deigned for use by fourth and fifth graders. (The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Alaska wildlife curriculum will be used as the foundation material for this effort.)	3,523
Reading the Land: Decoding Local Landforms Jan Pohl Marie Drake Middle School Juneau, Alaska	Students will explore processes of erosion and the deposition of sediments by ice, moving water and ocean waves; ancient and recent ice age history and related sea level changes; marine fossils and human artifacts found in local sediments; field clues to the origin and age of landforms; and the journals, maps, and oral histories of explorers, field scientists and Natives. This will enable eighth graders to read the records of sea-level change written along our coastlines, date the path of a retreating glacier, and trace the dynamic workings of a glacial river. Vivid classroom activities and carefully planned field work will demand that students ask and answer their own questions. They will be rewarded with discoveries that will deepen their sense of place and belonging as it sharpens their scientific and historical insight. The finished product will be a field guide to local landforms and three eighth grade science units, produced for the Juneau area: "Ancient and Recent Glacial History," ADynamic Workings of a Glacial River," and "Beach Processes."	4,854

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Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Exploration of Motion and Force through Rocketry and Computer Analysis Ron Reihl Tanana Junior High Fairbanks, Alaska	Eighth grade physical science students will build model rockets to explore laws of motion and integrate computer technology in the analysis of data, complete with graphing. The project will foster cooperative learning in engineering, aerodynamics, and concepts of force and motion. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) professors will consult and help. On launch day, students, parents, and the community will assemble at UAF to fire and recover the model rockets and the all important payload sections.	4,090
Ketchikan High School Airborne Acoustics Study Dick Sander Ketchikan High School Ketchikan, Alaska	This project will initiate a ten-year student study of airborne "noise." Students will perform scientific observations, data collection, and data analysis of airborne "sound" in the field parallel to that being carried out at the Southeast Alaska acoustic Measurement Facility (SEAFAC). They will be working in conjunction with engineers and researchers from the David Taylor Research Center (DTRC). It will be an invaluable integrated math/science/vocational learning experience for the students involved and is designed to produce information beneficial to the community.	5,621
Graphing Calculators in Math Sandra Schoff East Anchorage High School Anchorage, Alaska	This project is designed to implement the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. It will teach students (grades 9-12) and teachers how and when to use graphing calculators or computers with appropriate software, how to recognize and interpret multiple representations of data, and how to apply this knowledge to real-world situations. It will help answer the question, "When will I ever use this?" Successful implementation of this project will help students view mathematics as a means rather than an end.	5,731
The Greenhouse Project Nancy Sheehy Steller Secondary Anchorage, Alaska	Students (grades 9-12) will build plant tables and stands for use in a greenhouse to research Alaska plants, maintain herb, flower, and vegetable gardens. Community and private organizations will be involved in working with students on developing these plans. Students will develop their own independent study projects based upon past years' experiences in the greenhouse. Possible offshoots of this project may include selling herbs to local restaurants, and/or having a plant sale in the spring. The profits would then be used to purchase materials needed to maintain the project from year to year. This project will give skills to students that they will be able to use and take with them beyond their high school years and whatever their occupations are. (Allen Piccioni, owner of Stems, Inc., will give Steller a matching grant of $5,000 to fulfill the project goals.)	5,831

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Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Alaska Atmospheric and Weather Phenomena Skip Via University Park Elementary Fairbanks, Alaska	Students will study the atmospheric phenomena in depth and produce file footage of weather and atmospheric phenomena across Alaska. A CAV videodisc will be produced which can be distributed at cost to schools across the State and nation. This disk will be capable of being used interactively with computers from multimedia presentations or it can be used with a remote or barcode reader for teacher-directed lessons. As part of the project, students will create HyperCard and barcoded "front-ends" to the videodisc which will catalog and interactively display the various facets of the atmospheric phenomena.	5,873
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head Donna Cherrier Inlet View Elementary School Anchorage, Alaska	Gifted Enrichment students from six elementary schools will spend three intensive days with scientists at an ARCO or BP petroleum field site. Children and their parents will be partners, learning and becoming aware of the importance of water and oil as renewable resources in Alaska.	3,550
Cultivation of Native Plants in the Chilkat Valley Jan Conitz Haines Elementary School Haines, Alaska	This project will involve the gardening and native plant knowledge of Chilkat Valley teachers and community members. The greenhouse laboratory used will enable studies of processes of soil formation and plant growth and will help to stimulate the practice of recycling and conservation. The project will help to preserve the biological diversity of the area.	5,000
Radio Tracking of Black Bears Norvil R. Dallin McGrath School McGrath, Alaska	Students will work cooperatively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to put radio collars on black bears in the local area. The bears will be tracked by students from boats and snowmachines. Data gathered will be analyzed and published for public use.	3,402
Fossil Fuels in Alaska Project Karen Doran Barnette Elementary School Fairbanks, Alaska	Students will take a field trip to the Usibelli Coal Mine in Healy, Alaska, to observe the coal mining community and mining operation. They will explore the realities of energy in Alaska from economic and social perspectives as well as scientific perspectives. A "We Search" style book will be written and a slide show prepared, documenting their search for an understanding of energy in Alaska.	1,200

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Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Sciencing in Alaska Karen French Mountain View Elementary School Anchorage, Alaska	Students will make a science videotape dealing with specific Alaska scientific topics which will focus on phenomena unique to Alaska. This will give them a better understanding of the Alaskan environment, an appreciation for the uniqueness of Alaska, and improve their self-concept. The videotape will be available for distribution to teachers and schools in grades K-6. (The Mountain View Elementary School is a high-risk school. Eighty percent of the students are on free lunch.)	5,000
Exploration of Technology Jonathan R. Griffin Marie Drake Middle School Juneau, Alaska	Students (grades 6-8) will explore ten different technology modules. Activities are designed to prepare students to live and work in a world where conventional teaching methods and facilities have left them ill prepared to deal with rapidly changing phenomenon. This will help them with the overwhelming responsibility of living and coping with constant change.	5,000
Sci&Tech Laboratory Mike Hanchett Palmer High School Matanuska-Susitna	This project will establish a permanent, mobile, technology-based, laboratory for use in science classes (grades 9-12). The lab will duplicate the research tools used in universities, businesses, and industrial lab settings. Electrophoresis equipment will establish a strong lab component for molecular biochemistry and genetic studies at the AP level. Students will experience computers and technology as they are used in today's science laboratories.	4,846
Fishing and Simple Machines Ms. Pat Hartland Mendenhall River Community School Juneau, Alaska	This project will teach second and fourth grade classes about simple machines in conjunction with the fishing industry. They will videotape their field trip to a fishing boat and afterwards create a simple machine that will benefit their lives.	3,134
Meteorological Data Analysis Jeff Jackman Butte Elementary School Palmer, Alaska	Students will install a basic weather station at Butte Elementary School to gather, measure, record, interpret, and graph meteorological data. By using computer-assisted technology, students will share and compare meteorological data with students in other areas of the State. At the end of this project, students will have gained an appreciation and basic understanding of the scientific and mathematical principles of meteorology.	3,550
Dryden Project Margaret Jacoby Floyd Dryden Middle School Juneau, Alaska	Students will develop and initiate an on-going yearly air and water quality field study of the Jordan Creek watershed. They will research past and present uses of the watershed, and become familiar with sources of pollution. This project will promote understanding of mathematical, social, technological and scientific concepts using phenomena unique to Southeast Alaska. (Computer link-ups will be made available through the Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN); EcoNet; NASA's Mission to Plant Earth Program, Ground Truth Studies Project; and Alaska's UACN.)	5,000
Family Discovery Kits Karl Kowalski Kotzebue Elementary School Kotzebue, Alaska	"Family Discovery Kits" will be developed to focus on science process skills through guided discovery activities. The kits will include hands-on activities, literature books, resource books for parents, and alternative assessment means. This project is intended to promote family involvement in providing camp correspondence and home study students with independent learning opportunities.	4,820

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Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Ecology of Microorganisms Patrick Krepel Naknek School Naknek, Alaska	The Naknek-King Salmon area is unique in that it consists of several transitional geographic areasClakes, marshes, and ponds that give way to a taiga region, interspersed with muskeg. A trilocular microscope will be coupled to a camera assembly with monitor. This will allow students to study microorganisms and identify local populations of bacteria, algae, protista and the integration of this flora and fauna into the food chain base that is unique to the area.	4,640
High School Science SymposiumCPhase III: Statewide Gary Laursen West Valley High School Fairbanks, Alaska	Students will interact with science professionals at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. They will develop research projects, examine multiple literature sources, formulate testable hypotheses and corollaries, construct and use experimental protocols, perform experiments, collect and compile data, and formulate conclusions. A research paper will be presented to a national audience at the High School Science Symposium to be held at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, April 24, 1992.	5,000
Coastal Ecology Exploration Janine L. Lombardi Nenana City Public School Nenana, Alaska	Advanced biology students (grades 11-12) will take a week-long field excursion to the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory near Seldovia, Alaska. They will explore various aspects of marine geology, physical oceanography, plankton, invertebrates, fish, and sea birds. A display and summary of their experience will be created and designed for school and public viewing.	5,000
Dr. Mitchell's Magic Moments Michael K. Mitchell, Ph.D. McLaughlin High School Anchorage, Alaska	This project is a general science course which will use hands-on, interactive demonstrations to teach incarcerated McLaughlin students various principles of science, many of which are related to conditions unique to Alaska. The project goal is to increase abilities, skills, and interest in science.	3,442
Permanent Fund Study Kyle Morrow Nome-Beltz School Nome, Alaska	The purpose of the Permanent Fund Study is to teach junior high students what the Alaska Permanent Fund is and why it is part of their heritage. They will study areas of investment and visualize how future jobs will be created for the management and control of this money. It will help them understand the magnanimity of this investment for future generations of Alaska.	175
Multidisciplinary Cross-cultural Science and Technology Field Lab Mary W. Moses-Marks McGrath School McGrath, Alaska	Students will interact with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Innoko River Wildlife Refuge, and a local village corporation established under the Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement Act Corporation. They will observe effects of freezing on the wetlandsCmeasure ice and snow-cover thicknesses, densities, and pollution. They will also observe the same wetland areas during spring run-off conditionsCmeasure water quantities and flow, pollution, and wildlife and waterfowl types and quantities. Traditional cultural use and management of these resources will be adapted to maintain cultural heritage, while maximizing sound management.	5,000

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Project	Narrative	Grant Amount
Floating Camp Biotic Community Study Don Moss J.R. Gildersleeve School Ketchikan, Alaska	Science students (grades 7-12) will chart and graph the bottom-side of a Keyton Gildersleeve floating logging camp. Remote sensing equipment will be used that will estimate the overall populations of various organisms. Students will analyze and determine the marine biotic environment. Written and oral reports will be presented to the community.	2,000
Follow the Graphing Trail Gretchen Murphy University Park Elementary School Fairbanks, Alaska	A nationally recognized expert in teaching statistics to children will do model teaching in elementary classrooms. The PTA, support staff, specialists, and students will collect data about everyday life in school and graph it. A Graphing Games Week will allow students to follow the "Graphing Trail" and answer questions about the graphs. Families will be invited to investigate the graphs and to collect and analyze data of their own.	5,000
Satellite Telemetry in the Biology Classroom John P. Norton Juneau Douglas High School Juneau, Alaska	Students will use a classroom-based satellite earth station for developing databases on various physical and biological parameters. The data will be used to generate graphics displays and detailed analyses. Once this initial classroom program is in place, relationships will be established with state and federal agencies which are currently exploring the use of satellite telemetry in animal tagging studies. (Students will communicate with other students both nationally and internationally. The telecommunications aspect of ISY is strongly supported by NASA.)	4,990
Save a TreeCBurn a Recycled Paper Log Roger Prater Aniak Secondary School Aniak, Alaska	Aniak High School students will recycle paper products to produce logs for use in wood heaters. Students will use calorimeters and thermistors to test product thermal output. Vocational Industrial Clubs of America students will advertise and organize a labor force to market the product as a fund raiser for the Vocational Student Leadership Organization conference in Anchorage. This project will increase landfill life, help save the limited local natural resource of trees, and build a cooperative venture involving the community, public schools, and local businesses.	5,000
Intergalactic Planetary Summit Gail Raymond East Anchorage High School Anchorage, Alaska	This project is based upon an imaginary lepton war in a far galaxy which has occurred. The war stimulates the need for an intergalactic peace agreement conference. Students, representing different planets, will design a social and ecological system to adapt to life on a planet that simulates aspects of the various Alaska biomes. They are introduced to strategy, compromise, and the art of diplomacyCtaking into consideration the difficulties of dealing with other planets, their governments, communication barriers, and environmental and social needs.	5,000
Linking Literacy and Science Annie Ronsee Fairview Elementary School Anchorage, Alaska	Fairview second grade teachers will increase exposure of their students to science at the primary level through language activities, nonfiction literature, hands-on science investigations, field trips, and after-school activities. Science will be integrated in thematic instruction and students will be given additional science instruction in the scientific thinking process. Fairview will initiate an after-school science club, host a family science night, and hold an educational fair. (Students will be exposed to minorities and women in the science fields. Eighty percent of the target population is minority.)	5,000
Alaskan Ecosystems: A Cooperative Peer Tutoring Project Mary Margaret Stephens West Anchorage High School Anchorage, Alaska	At-risk ninth-grade students will take a field trip to the Alaska Center for Coastal Studies and the Pedersen Bay marine biology lab. At-risk students will be paired with advanced students, who will share their enthusiasm and excitement towards science. The at-risk students will in turn increase their self-esteem by teaching the advanced students HyperCard programming through the joint development of curricular materials on marine ecosystems.	5,000

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