Alaska Beat

Feds won't fund new infrastructure in Galena's Yukon River flood zone

From the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it won't pay for new infrastructure in the Yukon River flood zone in Galena following the community's devastating spring flood.

Galena's Old Town contains homes and buildings including the town's post office, the Yukon Inn bar and restaurant and the office for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The neighborhood, which is traditionally the most susceptible to flooding, is sandwiched between the Yukon River and a dike built around Galena's former Air Force station. ...

FEMA's decision applies only to infrastructure and does not block Old Town residents from receiving assistance to rebuild their homes. But it means public facilities including the post office, the Louden Tribal Council Community Hall and a backup power generator will need to move to higher ground if they're to get FEMA funding, said FEMA spokesman Victor Inge.

Galena City Manager Greg Moyer says Old Town will continue to exist but probably won't return to pre-flood conditions. Read more in the News-Miner.

Meanwhile, Alaska Dispatch reports on a battle between a Galena resident who believes her flood-damaged home is unrepairable and FEMA, which has declared the house salvageable.

Anchorage

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