Mat-Su mayor seeks emergency declaration for ice jam flood on Willow Creek

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has declared a local emergency from flooding brought on by an ice jam in Willow Creek.

Borough Mayor Vern Halter in his declaration Monday night asked Gov. Mike Dunleavy to declare a state disaster for the affected areas. Halter cited severe threats to life and property, lack of access to homes and property damage loss.

“The severity and magnitude of the flooding emergency is beyond the timely and effective response capability of the local resources,” he said.

The ice jam Saturday night sent floodwater into nearby homes. At least 13 households were forced to evacuate. Six were damaged by floodwater.