DGGS mapping and geothermal programs move into operating budget; $5.8M Earth MRI grant recorded

Shanna Miller told the subcommittee that Line 7 moves the U.S. Geological Survey Earth MRI mapping program for critical mineral resources into DNR's operating budget as an ongoing program. Miller said that change provides a $5.8 million federal funds increment for mapping basement metals and critical minerals and that no state match is requested for FY2027.

Deputy Commissioner Goodrum and Commissioner designee John Crother described the Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys' (DGGS) priorities: mineral resources work that translates data into exploration, an active geothermal program that is a temporary three‑year increment with three positions (a geologist 3, a GIS analyst 3 and a program manager), and geologic hazards monitoring (landslides, flooding, coastal erosion and volcano monitoring). Crother said the division recently acquired a hyperspectral scanner to better analyze samples and identified opportunities to leverage federal partnerships to advance geothermal and critical‑minerals assessments.

Why it matters: Earth MRI mapping and geothermal assessment can guide private investment, federal partnerships and infrastructure planning. The $5.8M federal increment and the geothermal program strengthen Alaska's ability to identify critical minerals and low‑emissions in‑state energy resources; the committee asked for operational details and cost uses tied to positions and field expenses.