He told The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner he didn't have enough money to deal with diesel tanks that were toppled by ice jams and other fuel that spilled into the river.
Meggert's team was on the scene in Eagle and other villages. He says he was unable to convince other people in the Department of Environmental Conservation that a disaster existed and he needed emergency funds. At one point Meggert says he spent $6,000 of his own money to pay a Fairbanks contractor -- an expenditure that may not be reimbursed by the state.
Meggert retires Friday.
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