Alaska governor seeks disaster declaration after earthquake

JUNEAU — Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government following the Nov. 30 earthquake that rocked Anchorage and other parts of south-central Alaska.

Dunleavy told reporters from Anchorage that the declaration, if approved, would free up money to help the state recover more quickly from the magnitude 7.0 earthquake. In his letter seeking the declaration, he wrote federal assistance is “essential to long-term recovery.”

Initial damage assessments and costs for needs such as temporary housing were around $100 million, according to figures provided by the state.

Dunleavy said he was awaiting word on whether the ongoing partial federal government shutdown would affect the state’s request.

Read more: https://www.peninsulaclarion.com/news/alaska-governor-seeks-disaster-declaration-after-earthquake/