Parnell Extends Disaster Declaration for Flooding

Gov. Sean Parnell has added more communities affected by spring flooding to his disaster declaration.

The disaster area, which initially extended to Galena, Eagle, Fort Yukon and others, has been amended to include areas like Emmonak and Alakanuk.

The declaration clears the way for state disaster aid in affected communities. Parnell's office says the declaration amendment is in response to prolonged flooding due to ice jams and high water from excessive run-off.

Parnell, in a letter to legislative leaders last month, said he planned to initially limit spending for the disaster to $1 million of the $3.4 million in the disaster relief fund.

Parnell's spokeswoman says Parnell has increased that amount. She says the fund will be replenished with an additional $5 million when the fiscal year begins July 1.