Borough provides update on Talkeetna River flooding recovery

The Matanuska Susitna Borough (MSB) has been hard at work with repairs to the riverbanks and emergency revetment repairs after heavy rains during August and into the Labor Day weekend caused flooding along the Talkeetna River, causing loss of over 350 feet of revetment.

During a special session of the MSB Assembly on September 13, members approved an emergency disaster declaration, extending a local disaster emergency that had been made earlier in the day. The motion would extend that declaration to October 31 for the flooding.

MSB Public Works Director Tom Adams and a representative from the US Army Corps of Engineers made a site visit and measured out a loss of 300 feet of revetment, and that land had started to erode into the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers, threatening critical infrastructure, including businesses, utilities, and historic properties.

Due to flooding damage, the riverbank remains susceptible to erosion even under low flow conditions.

On Tuesday, September 19, the MSB received quotes for roughly 3,000 tons of riprap, large rocks used to protect riverbanks and shorelines against moving water. According to the MSB, the material is to be stockpiled in anticipation of repairs to the Talkeetna revetment at the end of Main Street.

Western Construction began hauling operations last week, and the Borough estimates it will take ten days, with approximately eight trucks daily. As the MSB receives quotes to conduct revetment emergency repair measures, the work will be coordinated with the delivery of riprap or scheduled to commence no later than October 3, 2023. Completion of emergency repairs are anticipated by mid-October.

There is currently a work zone established at the end of Main Street in Talkeetna, where heavy equipment will be operating for possibly the next several days. The Borough warns that the area is highly dangerous and must be avoided by all unauthorized traffic; pedestrian or vehicular. To minimize conflict with vehicles, Public Works will close Main Street from the intersection at B Street to the river.

“The operators are focused on their jobs of moving rock and often can’t see well enough to watch people walking through the area, behind or in front of their equipment. Please stay behind the taped off area and out of harm’s way. We appreciate your help.”

In a press release, the MSB said that to date, anticipated work is estimated to cost roughly $500,000, with some variances possible depending on conditions once work begins. The Borough will be seeking reimbursement for these emergency repairs and additional resources from the US Army Corps of Engineers for a longer-term solution.