PRESIDENT DECLARES ALASKA MAJOR DISASTER FOLLOWING FALL WEATHER

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reported that President George W. Bush has declared a major disaster exists in Alaska and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe fall storm, tidal surges and flooding from Sept. 22-26.

Acting FEMA Director R. David Paulison said 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 fall weather and flooding.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures, Paulison said.

Areas included in the disaster declaration are the Bering Strait Regional Education Attendance Area, Kashunamiut Regional Education Attendance Area, Lower Kuskokwim Regional Education Attendance Area, and the Northwest Artic Borough.