President Obama has issued a disaster declaration for several parts of Alaska affected by spring flooding and ice jams, ordering federal aid to help in recovery efforts.Governor Sarah palin had requested the federal disaster declaration on May 25, well over two weeks ago.
Federal funds will be available to affected residents in the Alaska Gateway, Kuspuk, Yukon Flats and the Yukon-Koyukuk regional education attendance areas.
"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.
On my way out to Interior again to see full extent of flood damage & meet w/community leaders. Will provide update when in range.BTW, the former GOP vice presidential candidate now has 18,665 followers on Twitter.
"Governor Palin’s actions pertaining to these floods were appropriate, professional and the hallmark of a skilled executive."-JP
"In the air, on my way out to Interior AK to see extent of damage caused by most severe flooding in recent AK history."The governor knew the damage to the town of Eagle and other areas along the Yukon River and two of its tributaries, was even bad before taking to the air to survey it. She had declared the flooded interior a disaster area yesterday. After making her survey of the area, Gov. Palin this afternoon cancelled her plans to visit the east coast over the weekend. Instead, husband Todd Palin will represent her at the correspondents dinner and the Alaska House events.
"It's basically wiped out a town."The flooding is the worst on record in the state of Alaska. The governor's news release is here.
"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.
