AIDEA can assist Alaskans through its ability to develop, own (in whole or in part) and operate basic installations and facilities within the state, especially those which advance the prosperity of a region. Roads, ports, airports, infrastructure for tourism destination facilities or other public use facilities which are essential for the economic well being of an area and are able to produce adequate revenues to repay the bonds sold to finance the project are considered eligible projects.
Project Eligibility
Detailed information regarding the scope and characteristics of the project is submitted to the Authority for review. Staff and legal counsel determine whether or not the project is eligible and satisfies the development criteria for AIDEA participation and if the project can meet tax-exempt financing status under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
AIDEA Statutes 44.88.900 define a project as:
- A plant or facility used or intended for use in connection with making, processing, preparing, transporting, or producing in any manner, goods, products, or substances of any kind or nature or in connection with developing or utilizing a natural resource, or extracting, smelting, transporting, converting, assembling, or producing in any manner, minerals, raw material, chemicals, compounds, alloys, fibers, commodities and materials, products, or substances of any kind;
- A plant or facility demonstrating technological advances of new methods and procedures and prototype, commercial applications for the exploration, development, production, transportation, conversion, and use of energy resources;
- Infrastructure for a new tourism destination facility or the expansion of a tourism destination facility;
- A plant or facility, other than a plant or facility described in (2) of this paragraph, for the generation, transmission, development, transportation, conversion, or use of energy resources;
- A plant or facility that enhances, provides for, or promotes economic development with respect to:
- transportation,
- communications,
- community public purposes,
- technical innovations,
- prototype commercial application of intellectual property,
- research;
- A plant or facility used or intended for use as a federal facility, including a US military, National Guard, or US Coast Guard facility;
- Infrastructure for an area that is designated as a Military Facility Zone.
Basic framework to identify best-fit projects for AIDEA (pdf)
Operating Experience: The developer has a demonstrated background and history in successfully building and operating the type of project for which they are seeking financing from AIDEA.
- Capital Contribution: The developer will invest funds in tandem with AIDEA for the construction of the project.
- Plans and Designs: The developer has complete plans, designs, and specifications for the project they wish to develop.
- Permits: The developer has the necessary permits for the project.
- Purchase Contracts: The developer has access to key materials and equipment.
- Sales Contracts: The developer has revenues under contract from credible entities.
Analysis and Decision-Making Process (pdf)
AIDEA has developed a four-phase process by which it can determine whether a potential project meets AIDEA’s mission and strategic initiatives and whether it is feasible. All four phases are designed to ensure that the project under consideration meets specific criteria and is evaluated to the extent that the project can move through the various “gates” of the decision-making process.
The chart below outlines the type and level of due diligence that the AIDEA staff and Board will expect every proposed project to undergo on its path to a final decision.
There is a broad spectrum of private and public purpose projects that are eligible under AIDEA's statutes.
For more information regarding project development and financing contact AIDEA at (907) 771-3000.