Alaska Gov. Issues Disaster Declaration for February Storm

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski has issued a state Disaster Declaration for the City of Seward and surrounding areas of the Kenai Peninsula Borough in response to a severe winter storm that caused widespread damage in early February.

“The damage substantially affected the declared areas and those who live in them,” said Murkowski. “I am directing my administration to dedicate all available resources to assist these communities.”

The City of Seward and surrounding Kenai Peninsula Borough communities experienced high winds, heavy snow, and freezing rain when a powerful winter storm moved into Southcentral Alaska Feb. 5 -11. Numerous avalanches severely damaged power lines and other infrastructure, blocked roads and threatened further damage.

The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) worked with the communities during the storm to assess life/safety issues and identify storm damage. After the storm passed, DHS&EM personnel traveled to the communities to get a firsthand assessment of the damages.