May 30, 2002
Thursday - 9:25 pm

Gov. Tony Knowles has signed a declaration of disaster emergency for parts of Interior and western Alaska affected by recent spring break-up flooding. Because of widespread damage and costs of recovery estimated at approximately $7.8 million, Knowles is also considering requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the area.

"Spring break-up is often a difficult time in many river communities. This year the uneven river ice break up, combined with harsh weather and fluctuating temperatures, caused severe flooding in several areas of the state," Knowles said in signing the declaration.

The declaration defines the disaster area to include the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the Tanana River drainage; McGrath, Lime Village, Sleetmute, Red Devil, Crooked Creek, Aniak and Kwethluk in the Kuskokwim River drainage; Ekwok and New Stuyahok in the Nushagak River drainage; the area of the Susitna River drainage from Chase to Montana Creek; and Emmonak in the Yukon River drainage.

According to the declaration, "the severity and magnitude of the emergency are beyond the timely and effective response and recovery capabilities of local resources." By declaring the area a State disaster, Knowles authorizes the Alaska Division of Emergency Services to access state disaster relief funds for response, and also to task other state agencies to assist in the recovery process.

"The State Emergency Operations Plan details how other state agencies can be used to support response and recovery efforts," said Dave Liebersbach, Director of the Alaska Division of Emergency Services. "With this declaration in place, we can bring them on board to respond to the needs of affected communities in a cohesive team effort."

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials will join state emergency managers and representatives of the Small Business Administration to conduct preliminary damage assessments in most affected communities over the next several days.

Federal assistance, if any, will be based on findings of the preliminary damage assessment teams. Any disaster assistance eligibility for individuals and public facilities will be announced once Federal assistance is determined.

Source of News Release:

Office of the Governor
Web Site

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