President Issues Disaster Declaration for Kodiak
Sen. Begich Supported State Request for Federal Assistance
U.S. Senator Mark Begich today said he was pleased by a decision from President Obama to declare a State of Disaster for the Kodiak Island Borough, the result of severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and rockslides that occurred October 6 – 11, 2009.
“I appreciate that the Administration has recognized the needs facing the citizens of Kodiak following their record-setting rain and flooding,” Sen. Begich said. “With winter upon us, it is vital that we support efforts to restore transportation and public safety services to proper levels as quickly as possible.”
On Dec. 11, Sen. Begich sent a letter to President Obama and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate supporting a request for Federal Disaster Assistance. The original request for Federal Disaster Assistance was filed on Dec. 7 by Gov. Sean Parnell.
Federal funding will be available to state, local government, and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work.
For more information from FEMA visit:
http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=12168
Sen. Begich’s letter to the Administration is attached.
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THE WHITE HOUSE
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 18, 2009
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Alaska and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and rockslides during the period of October 6-11, 2009.
Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, mudslides, and rockslides in Kodiak Island Borough.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Dolph A. Diemont as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.
FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-3272.