A total of 40 Alaska National Guard members are being deployed to Juneau as part of the emergency response efforts following record flooding of the Mendenhall River on Tuesday that damaged more than 100 homes.
Seven members from Juneau are expected to be joined by 33 more on Friday from Anchorage and Fairbanks, according to a statement issued Thursday by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
“On arrival they will focus on debris cleanup, flood recovery operations and distribution of supplies to the community in support of the local incident commander,” the statement notes.
The deployment is part of a wider state response after a disaster declaration by Gov. Mike Dunleavy within hours of the Mendenhall River receding from its peak level early Tuesday morning. State disaster assistance applications are now being accepted at www.Ready.Alaska.Gov/IA or by calling (844) 445-7131, and multiple other agencies are involved in assessment and cleanup efforts.
”The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) conducted a drone survey of the flood area yesterday,” a press release issued Thursday by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management noted. “In addition, (it) has been clearing clogged drainage and removing debris. The Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Prevention and Response conducted an aerial survey yesterday of the flood area additional ground-based survey is pending. The Department of Health is working with a local daycare provider to certify a temporary child care facility.”
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan visited Juneau to observe the flood damage, and talk to officials and residents about possible federal assistance. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski made a similar visit with Dunleavy on Wednesday, and U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola is scheduled to visit Sunday.
Other assistance and recovery developments announced Thursday include:
• Emergency bank stabilization along the Mendenhall River to address immediate threats to property and safety has been authorized by the City and Borough of Juneau.
“Making the property safe means action to protect property and structures from further damage from the flood,” a CBJ announcement states. “For example, property owners may immediately repair damage to existing bank stabilization, or place new bank stabilization.”
Local permits are necessary that must be applied for within one month of starting work, and additional state and federal permits may be necessary, according to CBJ. More information is available by contacting CBJ Senior Planner Teri Rehfeldt at (907) 586-0753 ext. 4129 or teri.rehfeldt@juneau.gov.
• Waste Management’s Capitol Disposal Landfill is experiencing long lines as residents impacted by flooding clean out their homes, according to CBJ. People not disposing of flood debris are being asked not to visit the landfill.
The landfill is operating extended hours of 7 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon until further notice.
• An emergency shelter hosted by the Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority has moved to the space above the Sandpiper Café at 429 W. Willoughby Ave. The shelter is for tribal citizens and their families who have been displaced from their homes. Doors open at 3 p.m., check-in is required at the Driftwood Lodge main lobby. People needing transportation can call (907) 463-7171.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at mark.sabbatini@juneauempire.com or (907) 957-2306.
