With Earthquake Damage Mounting, Alaska Governor Files for Federal Disaster Aid

With Alaska’s earthquake damage mounting, Gov. Dunleavy files request for additional federal disaster aid

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy formally requested disaster aid from the federal government Thursday as damage from the Nov. 30 earthquake climbs toward $100 million, far outstripping state resources.

After an initial emergency declaration, Dunleavy’s 15-page letter to President Donald Trump requests a major disaster declaration, a more serious designation that could trigger tens of millions of dollars in additional relief. The request comes after inspections turned up major damage in hundreds of buildings, including the homes of elderly and vulnerable residents.

With other competing disasters in the queue, such aid is likely months away. It also wasn’t immediately clear whether the ongoing partial shutdown of the federal government would hamper the process.

Speaking with reporters Thursday in Anchorage, Dunleavy said he was confident the state would get the help it needs.

“We’re going to bird-dog this to make sure any assistance that we can get from the federal government and the state is done in an expedited manner,” Dunleavy said. “We understand this is going to be a long-term event.”