Governor rejects erosion funding

August 16, 2005

DARRELL BREESE/Frontiersman reporter

PALMER - Gov. Frank Murkowski rejected a request from Matanuska-Susitna Borough officials for emergency assistance to address the erosion problems along the shores of the Matanuska River.

"We were simply looking for some assistance to address the issue of river erosion before things get out of hand," Borough Manager John Duffy said. "It is a state river, and we hope that the state would provide us with assistance to shore up the banks, build the needed dikes or even provide engineering assistance."

In his response, Murkowski indicated that the lack of a declared disaster and lacking the statutory authority to address the erosion incidents as the main reasons for rejecting the request.

"At this time, the ongoing erosion problem does not raise to the level of my authority for a proclamation under the Alaska Disaster Act." the governor wrote. "Therefore, I will not be exercising my powers for state disaster assistance."

Duffy, who sent a letter stating the imminent threat from the erosion to the governor, was frustrated by his refusal to take action.

"The governor's letter indicated that dealing with erosion was not a state problem," Duffy said. "But he failed to indicate who was responsible for addressing the issue. We believe that it is the state's responsibility."

Circle View and Stampede Flood and Erosion Control service area chair, Linda Smith questioned the governor hiding behind the Alaska Disaster Act.

"I am disappointed by the governor's lack of action," Smith said. "I read the Disaster Act, and it clearly states that he can take action to prevent a disaster. That's what we were asking for, a little prevention."

A spokesman for the governor, Mike Chambers, pointed out that the level of erosion doesn't meet the standard set forth in the Disaster Act.

"The Act is pretty clear that there needs to be an immediate danger to life and structures," Chambers said. "This is more a localized issue and not one triggered by a natural disaster allowing for the governor to take preventive action."

Borough officials were joined by representatives from the Alaska Department of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Friday, examining the area affected by the wandering river.

"They were here to discuss revisions of the flood hazard maps," Duffy said. "I thought it was a good idea to take them out to show them the extent of the problem and how it is threatening homes."

Part of the trip to the river included visiting the sight where the river gobbled up land, forcing Matanuska Electric Association to cut wires from poles.

"The effects of the erosion to public infrastructure have been evaluated and addressed by the utility companies," Chambers said. "They have re-energized the power transmission lines damaged by the erosion."

Matanuska Electric confirmed that it has completed installation of new support pilings that are between 60 and 70 feet deep and are able to withstand the erosion.

According to Smith, the current rate of erosion is threatening the home of Bones Cannon.

"He's in Valdez right now and his well head is sticking out the edge of the bank," Smith said of Cannon's property. "Talking to him the other day he said it was going to cost between $20,000 and $25,000 to relocate his home. That is a disaster if you ask me."

Chambers said he believes that the borough has displayed its authority to address the erosion issue by constructing and maintaining the dike system that is in place.

Tonight, the Borough Assembly is scheduled to appropriate $200,000 from the Legislature to design and build the fifth dike along the affected area.

"It is nice to receive the funds, but it is certainly not nearly enough to complete dike No. 5," Duffy said. "It will cover some of the engineering, but is short of what is needed to complete the project."

Darrell Breese may be reached at 352-2267 or darrell.breese@ frontiersman.com.