Palin asks for FEMA flood damage assessment

Governor Sarah Palin's office, in preparation for a request for a federal disaster declaration for the area devastated by recent flooding has requested a preliminary damage assessment from FEMA so that the losses in residential property, businesses and public infrastructure can be assessed.

"The state emergency managers have done a terrific job working with local responders to coordinate response and initial recovery to this year’s spring flooding," Governor Sarah Palin said. "Now we must rebuild our communities and this formal request is the first step in that process."

The governor says that based on her several visits to the stricken area, she believes the devastation will satisfy requirements for a federal disaster declaration.

Gov. Palin's full news release is here.

- JP

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