FOR RELEASE: October 3, 1994                   CONTACT:  Lee Scurry
                                                     (202) 208-3983
                                                           or
                                                     Robin Lee Cacy
                                                     (907) 271-6010

                          MMS AWARDS $121,799
                  TO UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (#40071)

      The U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management
Service (MMS) has awarded $121,799 to the University of Alaska,
Anchorage, Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) to
update and enhance an existing socioeconomic modeling system, MMS
officials announced today.  This award brings MMS funding for ISER
to $600,892 to date.

      ISER developed the original socioeconomic modeling system,
known as the Rural Alaska Model (RAM), for MMS under a previous
project.  Under this funding, ISER will update Bureau of Census
data, and provide additional training in the use of RAM -- a
significant component of the services to be acquired.

      "This project will provide the most current data, and
additional training in socioeconomic analysis," said MMS Acting
Director Cynthia Quarterman, "so that MMS can continue to develop
the most accurate environmental impact statements and environmental
assessments possible.  

      "The completion of this one-year project, will provide MMS
with improved efficiency and operations in the area of
socioeconomic analysis," Quarterman said. 

      "The model also allows for the monitoring of environmental
consequences of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activities, should
such a need occur.  This is consistent with MMS' responsibilities
under the OCS Lands Act and the National Environmental Policy Act,"
Quarterman added.

      MMS administers the federal offshore minerals programs and
manages the mineral royalty collection program for federal and
Indian lands.
                                   
                                 -MMS-

Subject: PR-10/3/94 University of Alaska/MMS Awards $121,799 to
University of Alaska, Anchorage (#40071)