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The article focuses on helping people find military service records, awards, and unit histories with thorough information on how to access various sources, such as personnel files at the National Archives, and ways to receive military awards. Topics include receiving military awards and decorations through the National Personnel Records Center and other pertinent authorities, accessing military service records and pension files, and navigating the corrections process.

The article discusses the historical evolution of internet regulation in the United States, particularly during the 1990s when the government favored limited oversight and encouraged self-regulation by the private sector. It outlines key federal statutes related to the internet, such as the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the Communications Decency Act, including the influential Section 230.

The article focuses on Department of the Interior's (DOI's) Payments in Lieu of Taxes program provides compensation for certain tax-exempt federal lands, known as entitlement lands. It mentions PILT entitlement lands include lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It also mentions U.S. Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture; federal water projects; some military installations and selected other lands.

Members of Congress frequently receive requests from grantseekers needing funds for projects in districts and states. In considering a response, a congressional office might first determine its policies and procedures regarding appropriate assistance to give constituents, such as when to provide information on grants programs or active advocacy of projects. Each office handles grants requests in its own way, depending upon the Member’s legislative agenda and overall organization and workload of office staff. As for staffing, there may be a full-time grants specialist or several staff members under the supervision of a grants coordinator working solely in the area of grants and projects. In some offices, all grants requests are handled in the district or state office; in others, they are answered by Capitol Hill staff. Offices may encourage congressional grants staff to learn about the grants process themselves and identify practices, in accordance with office policies, that may assist grantseekers at each step in the process. To learn about grants work, congressional staff can use CRS reports to identify potential sources of information for government and private funding and for details on selected grants programs. In addition to the current report, reports on grants work include CRS Report RL34012, Resources for Grantseekers; and CRS Report RL32159, How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal. CRS also offers reports on block grants and the appropriations process; federal assistance for homeland security and terrorism preparedness; and federal programs on specific subjects and for specific groups, such as state and local governments, police and fire departments, libraries and museums, nonprofit organizations, small business, and other topics. To educate constituents, a congressional office may provide selected grantseekers information on funding programs or may sometimes sponsor workshops on federal and private assistance. Because most funding resources are on the internet, Member home pages can also link to grants sources, such as Assistance Listings at SAM.gov and Grants.gov, so that constituents can search for grants programs and funding opportunities. The CRS web page, Grants and Federal Domestic Assistance (see sample Member Grants Page), can be added to a Member’s home page upon request and is updated automatically on House and Senate servers. Another CRS resource, Grants and Federal Assistance, covers key CRS products. To help communicate office policies and procedures, respond to frequent grants questions, and train new congressional staff, a congressional office may consider developing an internal grants manual. In addition to a single place to locate grants-related office policies and procedures, a grants manual may include templates for letters of support, instructional tools for new staff, and lists of local contacts. With reductions in federal programs, and with most government grants requiring matching funds, local contacts could include private or corporate foundations that may serve as alternatives or supplements to federal grants. This report will be updated at the beginning of each Congress and as needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report from the U.S. Congressional Research Service on federal grants. Topics discussed include alternative funding options for grant seekers, such as loans or assistance programs; provides sources for identifying federal grants and private foundation funding; and report provides an overview of the grant process, eligibility for federal grants, and includes additional resources for writing grant proposals.

This publication covers parts of the Tanana, Norton Bay, Nulato, Ruby, Kantishna River, Medfra, and Mt. McKinley quadrangles west of Nenana, Alaska (fig. 1). Magnetic and radiometric data were collected with a fixed-wing aircraft from May 14 to August 31, 2023, by MPX Geophysics LTD. The survey contains a single block. A total of 86,712 line-kilometers were collected. The block covers 29,361 km2. The magnetometer was mounted to a rear-facing fixed boom ("tail stinger"). The radiometric crystals were located in the cabin of the aircraft. The block was flown with a line spacing of 400 m. The mean ground clearance is 184 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tanana River and Big Delta airborne magnetic and radiometric geophysical survey covers parts of the Big Delta, Charley River, Circle, Eagle, Fairbanks, Kantishna River, Livengood, Mount Hayes, and Tanacross quadrangles near Fairbanks and Delta Junction, Alaska (fig. 1). Magnetic and radiometric data were collected with a fixed-wing aircraft from May 14 to August 4, 2022, by MPX Geophysics LTD. The survey contains six individual blocks. A total of 97,386 line kilometers were collected. The six blocks total 33,095 km2; they cover 32,944 km2 due to overlap. The magnetometer was mounted to a rear-facing fixed boom ("tail stinger"). The radiometric crystals were located in the cabin of the aircraft. The Tanana, Chena, Healy, Eisen, and North Pole blocks were flown with a line spacing of 400 meters (m). Mean ground clearances were: Tanana, 188 m; Chena, 352 m; Healy, 295 m; Eisen, 430 m; North Pole, 180 m. The Eisen Infill block was flown with a line spacing of 200 m and a mean ground clearance of 422 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are geologic hazards that threaten human lives, property, and infrastructure. Effective landslide threat mitigation requires identifying, inventorying, and studying landslides; developing a detailed landslide inventory map is the beginning of this process. Here we present the first landslide inventory map of parts of the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB), Alaska, along with supporting data and a qualitative analysis of the results. This research was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) EDMAP program, which funds universities to train the next generation of geologic mappers. The map and geodatabase were developed using lidar-derived elevation data and satellite imagery, and supplemented with data from targeted fieldwork, which included field verification of landslides and a detailed field survey and series of laboratory soil tests on the large, informally named Tanana 440 landslide. We identified 1,679 landslides within the FNSB region, with 681 mapped within the focused EDMAP study area. These landslides occurred in bedrock and surficial loess deposits and vary widely in age, morphology, and material type. Most are prehistoric, but we did observe some historic and active landslides. Potential landslide triggers may include thawing permafrost, rain events, seismic events, and river erosion. Our goals with this work are to increase awareness of landslides as a potential geohazard and to aid state and local agencies and the general public in making informed land management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The White Mountains airborne magnetic and radiometric geophysical survey covers parts of the Livengood, Circle, and Fairbanks quadrangles 25 kilometers north of Fairbanks, Alaska (fig. 1). Magnetic and radiometric data were collected with a fixed-wing aircraft June 30 to August 22, 2021 by MPX Geophysics LTD. A total of 36,933 line kilometers were collected covering 13,423 square kilometers. The magnetometer was mounted to a rear-facing fixed boom ("tail stinger"). The radiometric crystals were located in the cabin of the aircraft. The White Mountains survey was flown with a line spacing of 400 meters (m) and a mean ground clearance of 270 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eagle airborne magnetic and radiometric geophysical survey covers parts of the Charley River, Eagle, and Tanacross quadrangles near Eagle, Alaska (fig. 1). Magnetic and radiometric data were collected with a fixed-wing aircraft May 24 to June 27, 2021 by MPX Geophysics LTD. A total of 26,926 line kilometers were collected covering 9,731 square kilometers. The magnetometer was mounted to a rear-facing fixed boom ("tail stinger"). The radiometric crystals were located in the cabin of the aircraft. The Eagle survey was flown with a line spacing of 400 meters (m) and a mean ground clearance of 330 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alaska communities located along coastlines and tidally influenced rivers are vulnerable to coastal erosion. These communities face decisions that require advance planning, such as implementing shore protection or moving infrastructure. To aid in erosion planning, we estimate erosion exposure for 48 communities from the Bering to the Beaufort seas. We conduct a shoreline change assessment, forecast 60 years of erosion, and estimate the replacement cost of infrastructure in the forecast area. Of 48 communities analyzed, 33 have infrastructure within the erosion forecast area. Fifteen communities comprise 90 percent of the total replacement cost. Eleven of these, and 80 percent of total estimated cost, are in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. More than 40 percent of the estimated cost is forecast to occur by the late 2030s. A summary of findings and map(s) of erosion forecast areas are provided for each community where an assessment could be performed. Erosion forecasts require a clearly identifiable shoreline that can be tracked through time in aerial imagery, as well as no major coastal protection structures in the forecast area. Erosion forecasts are not suitable for 12 communities, so we provide recommendations to address erosion concerns in those community assessment reports. The assessment conducted here is a tool for developing local hazard mitigation plans and strategies to address erosion. There are methodological limitations to linear shoreline change measurements, forecasts, and infrastructure replacement costs. Total costs are not reported in this summary due to these limitations. Users must incorporate expertise and local knowledge when interpreting results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mission of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) is to determine the potential of Alaskan land for production of metals, minerals, fuels, and geothermal resources, the locations and supplies of groundwater and construction materials, and the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations and structures. To help fulfill this mission, DGGS geologists and scientists distribute public information through the creation of a wide variety of maps, digital data, and written reports. Maps play a crucial role in supporting DGGS' mission by helping geologists and scientists understand, interpret, and visualize Alaska's diverse geologic resources. Unfortunately, the overall look and feel of DGGS produced small-format maps are often inconsistent, particularly how map marginalia are included or excluded, placed, and designed. Such inconsistencies have the potential to create confusion for the user, leading to difficulties in orienting the map, measuring distances, identifying map symbols, or learning about the topic and important production information about the map. In addition, the overall appearance of some of the marginalia elements used on past DGGS maps do not conform to what is considered good cartographic design. The variation in map marginalia elements also contributes to the lack of cartographic consistency and continuity in the look and feel of the division's maps. The purpose of this Report of Investigation is to establish recommended designs for map marginalia and present guidelines for their inclusion, design, and placement. An extensive literature review was performed to compile and document accepted cartographic conventions for marginalia inclusion, design, and placement. A qualitative survey was developed and administered to gather user reactions to, and opinions about, DGGS marginalia elements. Results of the literature review and qualitative survey supported the establishment of recommended designs for map marginalia and guidelines for their inclusion and placement with the purpose of greatly increasing the consistency of DGGS smallformat maps and helping map makers critically think about the purpose, role, and considerations of each element on a map. These guidelines will offer DGGS map makers the flexibility to more easily and consistently create a variety of small-format maps that are recognizable as well-designed, professional, organizational products that have a consistent appearance, while supporting the DGGS' mission and meeting the needs of the map's intended users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Icy Cape airborne magnetic geophysical survey covers parts of Icy Cape, Alaska, which is located on the coast of the Gulf of Alaska near Icy Bay. Data were acquired by helicopter between August 20th and August 22nd, 2016, by Precision GeoSurveys Inc. The survey helicopter was equipped with a Scintrex cesium vapor CS-3 magnetometer, spectrometer, data acquisition system, magnetic compensation system, pilot guidance unit (PGU), and GPS navigation system. A Garmin VIRB XE video camera integrated with a GPS antenna was used to record the flight path video. In addition, two GEM GSM-19T magnetometer base stations with integrated GPS time synchronization were used to record diurnal magnetic variations. The survey area consists of four contiguous blocks covering an irregular area of 42.5 km by 19.1 km with 173 survey lines and 16 tie lines. The four blocks are centered 130 km northwest of Yakutat, Alaska, and cover a total of 520.8 square km. A total of 846.2 line-km were collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal communities in Alaska experience frequent storm surge flooding, yet the majority do not have a clear and consistent record of flooding. Local and statewide flood mitigation decisions require a clear understanding of flood risk, but the risk for many communities has not been adequately determined due to the difficulty of discovering information or interpreting flood impacts. One key dataset that is commonly missing is a complete list of all known flood events, along with flood heights relative to a consistent vertical datum, for each community. Water level sensors are largely absent in rural Alaska so determining the height of past events requires more creative efforts. This report introduces a method for estimating historical storm heights and flood impact categories for individual communities relative to infrastructure and a local tidal datum. Community-based observations and written accounts are used to estimate the height of recorded flood events. Flood impact categories are defined using National Weather Service terminology and are based on the elevation of residences, airstrips, and other critical infrastructure. Flood category heights and storm heights are listed in two tables, providing weather forecasters with fast decision support tools to help determine how communities should prepare for incoming storms. This initial publication includes reports for Golovin and Hooper Bay, and additional community assessments will follow. Community-specific reports include a flood category map showing current infrastructure, and a graphic relating infrastructure heights with previous floods. The report explains how each storm height was measured, and provides a bibliography of sources that were used to make those estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Federal grants are intended to meet goals authorized by Congress and often target community needs. Federal grants are not guaranteed benefits or entitlements to individuals. Most federal grant funds go to state and local governments, which in turn may award funds as sub-awards to local entities, such as nonprofit organizations. Because of this, contacting federal departments and agencies, state-level grants administering agencies (SAAs), or both to discuss grant opportunities is likely to be an important step for many grantseekers. However, due to limited purposes of grants and competition for available funding, grantseekers seeking government aid might need to search for funding options other than grants. For instance, individuals may be eligible for other kinds of benefits or assistance. Small businesses and students may be eligible for loans. Sources that grantseekers need to identify federal grants are available from federal government websites for free. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (or "Assistance Listings" database) at beta.SAM.gov describes more than 2,200 federal programs, more than half of them grants, and can be searched by keyword, department or agency, program title, beneficiary, and applicant eligibility. Federal department and agency websites provide additional information and guidance, and they provide state agency contacts, given that some federal grant opportunities may be administered by state-level agencies. Once a program has been identified, eligible grantseekers may apply for grants at the website Grants.gov through a uniform process for many agencies (for state-administered federal grants, applicants may apply through the state-level agency). Through Grants.gov, grantseekers may identify when federal funding notices and deadlines for a program become available, sign up for email notification of funding opportunities, and track the progress of submitted applications. Because government funds may be limited, sources of private and corporate foundation funding may be important to consider. Sources for nongovernmental funding are available online from organizations supporting grantseekers. For example, Candid (formerly the Foundation Center and GuideStar) is a clearinghouse for information about private, corporate, and community foundations, with publicly-accessible collections of resources in every state. These private, corporate, and community foundations often maintain their own websites with information for grantseekers. This report provides a brief introduction to the grant process, describes key sources of information on government and private funding, and outlines eligibility for federal grants. This report also includes some sources for information on writing grant proposals. Additional sources for grantseekers include reports such as CRS Report RL32159, How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal, by Maria Kreiser; and CRS Report RL34035, Grants Work in a Congressional Of f ice, by Maria Kreiser. This report is updated at the beginning of every Congress and as needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of Congress frequently receive requests from grantseekers needing funds for projects in districts and states. In considering a response, a congressional office might first determine its policies and procedures regarding appropriate assistance to give constituents, such as when to provide information on grants programs or active advocacy of projects. Each office handles grants requests in its own way, depending upon the Member's legislative agenda and overall organization and workload of office staff. As for staffing, there may be a full-time grants specialist or several staff members under the supervision of a grants coordinator working solely in the area of grants and projects. In some offices, all grants requests are handled in the district or state office; in others, they are answered by Capitol Hill staff. Offices may encourage congressional grants staff to learn about the grants process themselves and identify practices, in accordance with office policies, that may assist grantseekers at each step in the process. To learn about grants work, congressional staff can use CRS reports to identify potential sources of information for government and private funding and for details on selected grants programs. In addition to the current report, reports on grants work include CRS Report RL34012, Resources f or Grantseekers; and CRS Report RL32159, How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal. CRS also offers reports on block grants and the appropriations process; federal assistance for homeland security and terrorism preparedness; and federal programs on specific subjects and for specific groups, such as state and local governments, police and fire departments, libraries and museums, nonprofit organizations, small business, and other topics. To educate constituents, a congressional office may provide selected grantseekers information on funding programs or may sometimes sponsor workshops on federal and private assistance. Because most funding resources are on the internet, Member home pages can also link to grants sources, such as Assistance Listings at beta.SAM.gov and Grants.gov, so that constituents can search for grants programs and funding opportunities. The CRS web page, Grants and Federal Domestic Assistance (see sample Member Grants Page), can be added to a Member's home page upon request and is updated automatically on House and Senate servers. Another CRS resource, Grants and Federal Assistance, covers key CRS products. To help communicate office policies and procedures, respond to frequent grants questions, and train new congressional staff, a congressional office may consider developing an internal grants manual. In addition to a single place to locate grants-related office policies and procedures, a grants manual may include templates for letters of support, instructional tools for new staff, and lists of local contacts. With reductions in federal programs, and with most government grants requiring matching funds, local contacts could include private or corporate foundations that may serve as alternatives or supplements to federal grants. This report will be updated at the beginning of each Congress and as needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shaw Creek and Shawnee Peak airborne magnetic and radiometric geophysical survey covers parts of the Big Delta and Eagle quadrangles northeast of Delta Junction, Alaska (fig. 1). Magnetic and radiometric data were collected with a helicopter July 4-25, 2020 by MPX Geophysics LTD. A total of 10,100 line kilometers were collected over approximately 2,600 square kilometers. The magnetometer was mounted to a forward-facing fixed boom ("stinger"). The radiometric crystals were located in the cabin of the helicopter. Data were collected in eight named blocks. Mertie Mountains, Shaw Creek, and Volkmar River have a line spacing of 400 meters (m) and a mean ground clearance of 130 m. Stoneboy has a line spacing of 200 m and a mean ground clearance of 80 m. Eagle, Echo, Healy, and LMS-X have a line spacing of 100 m and a mean ground clearance of 80 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holitna airborne magnetic geophysical survey covers the Holitna basin, located in the Sleetemute and Lime Hills quadrangles surrounding the town of Stony River in southwest Alaska. Magnetic data were collected September 8th to October 7th 1997. A total of 13,658 line kilometers were collected covering 9,229.1 square kilometers. Line spacing was 800 meters (m). Data were collected using a fixed wing aircraft with a mean ground clearance of 90 m. PURPOSE These data were collected to assist the state in assessing the hydrocarbon potential of the Holitna basin area. The aeromagnetic data was intended to be interpreted and integrated with available geoscience data. SURVEY OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION This document provides an overview of the survey and includes text and figures of select primary and derivative products of this survey. A table of digital data packages available for download is provided to assist users in data selection. For reference, a catalog of the available maps is presented in reduced resolution. Please consult the metadata, project report, and digital data packages for more information and data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The airborne magnetic geophysical survey of the Bethel Basin, Alaska is located in the Bethel, Baird Inlet, Russian Mission, and Marshall quadrangles near the town of Bethel in southwest Alaska. Magnetic data were collected during October 1996 by Sanders Geophysics Ltd. and August 1994 by GEONEX Aero Service and its subsidiaries. A total of 20,915 line kilometers were collected covering 14,953 square kilometers. Line spacing was 800 meters (m). Data were collected using a fixed-wing aircraft with a median ground clearance of 90 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]