Tough times bring out best in Valley

It has been two weeks since torrential rain in the Talkeetna Mountains caused widespread flooding of Susitna Valley creeks and rivers. Intermittent rain since then has slowed the &#8220drying out” process, but recovery is, thankfully, in forward motion.

Although final numbers still are being tallied, early estimates from borough officials put the value of infrastructure damage near $12 million. Some of that total is from 46 roads and eight bridges around the borough that were either impassable or damaged.

Additional expense was incurred through emergency response, which totaled close to three-quarters of a million dollars - far exceeding initial estimates of such costs.

Private property around the area was not spared damage. Four structures were lost to the flood, and more than 150 homes suffered some form of flood-related damage.

The financial good news is that much of the cost of infrastructure repairs will be borne by the state, since Gov. Frank Murkowski declared an official disaster. But the bigger news has nothing to do with money and everything to do with the people of the Valley.

Even as roads were washing out and people were evacuating, helping hands were going out to those in need. In addition to emergency responders doing what they do, the all-volunteer Alaska State Defense Force mobilized disaster-assistance troops. Many of these folks live largely anonymous existences otherwise, and took time away from homes and families to help bring order where chaos could easily have unfolded.

The borough also set up two help centers in Willow and Sunshine to assist flood-ravaged residents of the northern Valley in getting back on their feet.

The Alaska chapter of the American Red Cross, staffed largely with volunteers, many of whom also are from the community, did its usual bang-up job of being on the spot at the right time to provide its signature caring touch. The community part in helping with the Red Cross outreach transcended working bodies in the trenches. It also included contributing a big chunk of the $50,000 the organization estimates it will spend helping affected families.

Less quantifiable, but no less real, were the countless instances of simple acts of kindness and neighbors helping neighbors. It all adds up to a silver lining that residents of the Valley should feel good about.

Nobody wants disaster to strike. But it is encouraging, and even heart-warming, to know that we live in a place where people take care of their own.