Alaska Delegation Pleased to Announce Denali Commission Interim Co-Chair
John Torgerson named Interim Federal Co-Chair
The Alaska Congressional Delegation today announced that John Torgerson of Soldotna has been appointed as the Denali Commission Interim Federal Co-Chair. This appointment comes following a letter the delegation sent last week to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, requesting an interim federal co-chair as the administration moves through the process of vetting candidates to fill the vacancy left by Joel Neimeyer on April 20, 2018.
“The Denali Commission plays a crucial role in the lives of Alaskans – especially to the health and economic development for those living in rural Alaska. John Torgerson’s vast experience in rural transportation and infrastructure, coupled with his wealth of knowledge in government small business, and budgeting will enable him to effectively meet the needs of the Denali Commission and the Department of Commerce,” said the Alaska Delegation. “We have the utmost confidence that John will be a great fit to assist the Denali Commission during this time of transition as it continues its important mission of improving life in rural Alaska.”
Torgerson will serve as Interim Federal Co-Chair until the vacancy is filled. For more information about Mr. Torgerson and the process for selecting a new Denali Commission Federal Co-Chair, click here.
Background: The Denali Commission was established by Congress in 1998 to fund economic development and infrastructure in rural Alaska and also serves as the lead agency to assist communities facing coastal erosion, flooding, and permafrost degradation threats. In the FY18 government funding bill, $30 million was allocated for the Commission to continue its critical mission of addressing infrastructure needs in rural Alaska.
