KOLIGANEK ENERGY EFFICIENT CLINIC PROVES SUCCESSFUL

The new clinic in Koliganek, Alaska has found the trick to reducing its monthly energy bill. A heat exchanger was installed in the electric power plant to absorb heat from the water used to cool the engines that drive the generators. Insulated pipe was laid 270 feet from the electric plant to the clinic to carry the water heated by the power plant heat exchanger to the clinic heat exchanger. The clinic heat exchanger uses the waste heat from the power plant to heat the water that circulates in the Clinic heating system. As of  January 2008 the fuel tank showed no measurable fuel usage from the clinic opening since October 2007.

This system was feasible at Koliganek because the clinic was relatively close to the power plant and there were no other users of the waste heat. In principal the heating costs were reduced by increasing the initial cost of construction which came in at $57,000. The Commission congratulates the community of Koliganek and the innovation of its partners at ANTHC for this success story. We look forward to replicating this model in other communities with the goal of reducing energy costs in rural Alaska.

PROGAM BACKGROUND AND PROCESS

Clinic Conceptual Planning: All clinic projects that could eventually be eligible for Denali Commission construction funding may participate in the conceptual planning phase. Technical Assistance (TA) advisors are assigned to each project to assist in the business plan development process and to complete the site plan checklist.  In some cases the Denali Commission may consider small funding requests to assist communities in addressing the business plan or site plan requirements. To begin the conceptual planning process or to request a TA or planning funds, contact the Denali Commission Health Facilities Program Manager.

Please be sure that your technical assistance advisor (TA) has reviewed the final business plan prior to submission. Business plans that have not been reviewed by the TA will not be forwarded to the review committee.

Clinic Design: Eligibility for design requires an approved business plan and site plan checklist and a feasible strategy for design completion and acquiring cost share match.

Clinic Construction: Eligibility for construction funding requires an approved business plan, approved site plan checklist, a final design (100% stamped drawings), a final budget (based on final design estimates), documentation of cost share match to fully fund the project and the ability to proceed to construction in a timely manner.

Other Than Primary Care The Denali Commission recognizes the primary care program as its priority focus area, however there is a need to also support a full continuum of health and social service facilities on a statewide basis. The Other Than Primary Care program on an annual basis identifies program focus areas outside the clinic program as part of a statewide continuum. The selected FY07 program areas were EMS equipment/Code Blue, Primary Care in Hospitals (managed by the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association, ASHNHA) and Behavioral Health (Bring The Kids Home).

General Program Information: Interested applicants should contact the Health Facilities Program Manager, Denali Daniels at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for specific information on applying for funding or engaging in the Denali Commission process.