By JAMES BROOKS
Alaska Beacon
Alaska’s state, local and tribal governments can be reimbursed for 100% of many costs incurred before and after Typhoon Merbok struck this month, after President Joe Biden on Thursday amended the federal disaster declaration.
The federal government typically reimburses local governments for 75% of their costs, but Alaska’s congressional delegation and Gov. Mike Dunleavy had asked for a waiver of the remaining 25%, which was granted Thursday.
The waiver covers costs only a 30-day period immediately before and after the storm, but the impact on the state budget could be significant.
The Lowell Point landslide near Seward — the most recent federal disaster before Typhoon Merbok — cost $7.4 million to resolve, according to cost estimates dated July 29. The state’s share of that was $2.1 million, according to the estimate.
Recovery from Typhoon Merbok, which devastated communities along the Bering Sea and Bering Strait, is expected to be much more costly.
As of Aug. 2, the state’s disaster relief fund had a balance of $51.7 million, according to a letter sent that date from Gov. Mike Dunleavy to the speaker of the House and Senate president.
A state assistance program and a Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance program are available for people whose homes or other property were damaged or destroyed. Assistance may cover damage not covered by insurance.
For the federal program, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. For the state program, visit ready.alaska.gov or call 844-445-7131.
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