Gov. Palin declares flooded interior a disaster area

Gov. Sarah Palin has declared parts of Interior Alaska inundated by recent floods a disaster area. The declaration allows for greater coordination between state agencies and provides easier access to state relief funds and receipt of federal funds pending a federal disaster declaration.

"This disaster declaration provides for the most effective rapid response from the state government to help these people in their time of need," Governor Palin said. "I am committed to helping rural Alaskans stay safe and recover as quickly as possible from this spring flood."

The governor says she will issue a formal written declaration when the spring floods have receded and the rivers are free of ice. That will allow state and local officials to more accurately assess how many people have been affected and estimate the total damages.

The news release from Gov. Palin's office is here.

- JP