A Decade of People Propel ® Successful Program Plays a Critical Role in Western Alaska

In 2022, CVRF’s most popular and enduring program celebrated its 10th year helping residents of our 20 communities. People Propel® represents the best of the CDQ program. What began as a way for fishermen to acquire better, safer gear has become a major force for economic development, obtaining access to subsistence resources, and for utilizing newer, cleaner engines to do our part to fight climate change. People Propel helps keep our residents’ incomes in our region. But it also spreads economic benefits throughout Alaska through the purchase of goods and services.

In 2006, Congress recognized CDQ regions are very different. It gave the groups flexibility to identify local needs and craft local solutions. Smaller CDQ regions use their vast per capita resources to promote commercial enterprises serving local fishermen and the Bering Sea fleets. Since

CVRF serves a much larger population, we must deliver benefits at a different scale. People Propel promotes economic development equitably and efficiently in every CVRF community. Every adult resident is eligible for help acquiring a wide range of equipment: ATVs, outboards, snow machines and skiffs are among the most popular purchases. Residents can apply online, choose their vendor, and coordinate their delivery. The program has helped teach financial literacy and encouraged banks to do business in communities they previously ignored. Through 2022, People Propel has leveraged nearly $50 million in equipment purchases for our residents from suppliers around Alaska.

Some of the top companies selling equipment through People Propel include All Seasons Honda in Homer, River and Sea Marine in Soldotna, Alaska Mining and Diving

Supply in Anchorage, and Alaska Commercial Company. These items travel to our region through countless partners along Alaska’s intermodal supply chain networks.

People Propel plays a critical role in Western Alaska by helping residents afford equipment with newer, more climate-friendly engines. The average cost of a new ATV has in some cases doubled compared to models featuring two-stroke motors. Widespread regional adoption of new, low-emission equipment that helps fight climate change would not be possible without People Propel.

As our region’s population continues to grow, CVRF strives to support our residents efficiently and effectively in ways that maximize CDQ’s value and contribution to our communities.

TEN YEARS OF PEOPLE PROPEL®

In the first ten years of People Propel® which began in 2013, there have been 14 rounds providing assistance to an average of 405 residents each round.

$16,076,445 CVRF CONTRIBUTION

$48,612,838 EQUIPMENT VALUE

5,671 INDIVIDUALS

People Propel® directly facilitates the independent Alaskan way of life, enabling our community to continue subsistence fishing, hunting and other vital activities such as traveling between villages or keeping equipment safe and protected from extreme weather conditions.

EVAN S. EVAN, CVRF BOARD MEMBER GOODNEWS BAY

PEOPLE PROPEL® 2013-2022

EQUIPMENT CATEGORY BREAKDOWN

The People Propel® program has had a very positive impact not only on my business, but on our customers’ day-to-day lives. We’ve been able to help more people than ever before.

REED MILLER, REED’S SNOWMACHINE & MARINE INC., FAIRBANKS