Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly will introduce a resolution authorizing the borough to seek assistance from the state to fund flood damage repairs in Seward.
After a series of storm systems and seemingly nonstop heavy rainfall this past October, Seward roads and infrastructure were inundated with water causing damage to roads, bridges and public facilities.
On Oct. 12, Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce signed a Local Emergency Disaster Declaration seeking assistance for emergency protection services and repairs. Gov. Bill Walker followed suit on Oct. 16, declaring a State Disaster for the Kenai Peninsula Borough, making funds available through the State of Alaska Public Assistance program, allowing for 100 percent reimbursement for eligible expenses.
The resolution, being introduced at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting on Tuesday night, is a condition of any assistance awarded as a grant and assembly approval is required for public assistance grants. So, for the borough to receive reimbursement, the assembly must authorize the resolution allowing Pierce to apply for Assistance to the state.
If passed, the resolution would allow Pierce to negotiate, administer and execute the disaster assistance application and grant agreement to the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for expenses related to the Oct. 2018 disaster.
Reach Kat Sorensen at ksorensen@peninsulaclarion.com.
