A western Alaska village is eroding due to climate change and officials plan to ask President Barack Obama for a disaster declaration so that federal funds can be pursued to relocate residents.
Alaska’s Energy Desk reports that engineers predict as many as six Newtok homes will be lost by fall followed by the village school in 2018.
Newtok Village Council attorney Mike Walleri said there isn’t time to pursue slower federal funding options.
He said the tribe plans to request the disaster declaration this month.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is designed to address disasters like hurricanes rather than the slow-moving danger of erosion.
Obama would need to decide whether to grant the declaration before Congress can consider appropriating funds.
Walleri said costs are estimated at $80 million.
