Alaska Governor Declares State Disaster After Storm

Gov. Sean Parnell has declared a state disaster for the Bering Sea storm that battered the western Alaska coast last month.

The declaration is a prerequisite to seeking a federal declaration, and federal aid. It also triggers state disaster recovery programs for communities and individuals. The maximum individual assistance award is $15,700.

Parnell’s office says more than 35 communities and two boroughs have reported impacts from the November storm, including damage to utilities and public infrastructure, due to high winds or coastal flooding.

Parnell says communities took the proper protective measures and reduced storm damage.

The estimated cost for responding to and recovering from the storm is nearly $30 million, though Parnell said most appear eligible for federal highway funding. Excluding those, about $8.5 million in costs remain.