Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday declared a disaster in the Northwest Arctic Borough after months of extreme cold caused widespread utility disruptions and damage to water and sewer systems in several communities.
JUNEAU, Alaska - Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday declared a disaster in the Northwest Arctic Borough after months of extreme cold caused widespread utility disruptions and damage to water and sewer systems in several communities.
The declaration activates the state’s Public Assistance program, making funding available to help restore critical infrastructure and support emergency response, according to the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. State officials said prolonged severe cold pushed local utility systems to a “breaking point,” leaving providers struggling to maintain electric power and keep water and sewer service operating in some communities. Selawik, Shungnak, Ambler and Buckland were identified as among the hardest hit, with significant freeze-ups reported in water and sewer systems.Bryan Fisher, director of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said local communities and the borough had used available resources and personnel to keep essential systems running. With the disaster declaration in place, the state can reimburse communities for emergency protective measures, assist with utility restoration and help fund permanent repair projects, he said. The state Public Assistance program is intended to restore damaged infrastructure to its pre-disaster condition. Eligible applicants may include local governments, tribal organizations and certain nonprofit groups that can document disaster-related damage. ‘Every fiber of me wishes I could change it all’: Veteran musher posts tribute to dog who died during IditarodTwo killed in ‘confined space’ aboard tug boat near Ketchikan, Coast Guard reportsNo tax relief, no pipeline? Dunleavy argues bill could make or break Alaska’s LNG futureTwo Alaskans help fuel Colorado Mesa’s historic season
Alaska News Cold Alaska Cold Winter Disaster Declaration Northwest Extreme Cold Government Funding Utilities Power Sewage Water Thawing Aid AK KTUU Alaska News Source Alaska's News Source Anchorage News
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