Following winter storms, Walker declares disaster in Savoonga, Gambell

Mayor Myron Kingeekuk and a Red Cross employee survey storm-damaged homes in the community. (Photo by Davis Hovey/KNOM)
Mayor Myron Kingeekuk and a Red Cross employee survey storm-damaged homes in the community. (Photo by Davis Hovey/KNOM)

Gov. Bill Walker issued a disaster declaration for the winter storms that struck Savoonga and Gambell at the end of 2016.

Almost $3 million in public assistance, state individual assistance and temporary housing assistance will be given to the St. Lawrence Island communities.

Walker signed the disaster declaration on Feb. 1, according to a news release, which the state’s public and individual assistance programs to help communities repair utilities, public buildings and other critical infrastructure that was damaged by the storm.

In order to repair the more than 30 damaged homes in Savoonga, as well as the City of Gambell’s water tanks and other damaged buildings, the estimated cost is a total of $2,850,061.

Even though the State’s Disaster Relief Fund does not have enough to cover the millions in costs, leftover money from previous state disaster funds, such as the 2011 Spring Flood disaster fund, will be appropriated to meet the need.

Michelle Torres with the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said a team from the division will travel to St. Lawrence Island sometime next week to provide assistance.

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