Alaska's Northwest Arctic Communities Hit by Extreme Cold

Governor Mike Dunlevy just dropped a disaster declaration on March 26th for four northwest

Arctic communities hit hard by extreme cold.

Ambler, Bucklin, Shungnack, and Selawik saw their utilities free solid from temps dipping

below minus 30 degrees.

Burl folks are pushing to add Keanu to after its water pipes busted.

This move lets the state cover costs for emergency fixes, repairs, and getting power and water

back up.

Locally public stuff, not home damages.

Local governments were tapped out, even with Burl help, so this was crucial to keep things

moving.

Communities dealt with power outages, failed water plants, and schools shut down for over

a month in Shungnack and Selawik.

Lawmakers like Reprovin Friar and Sendani Olsen, lobbied hard, noting costs already

topped $100,000 in one spot, plus two.

150,000 estimated for snow removal in Katsubu.

Now groups like the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Red Cross, Food Bank of Alaska, and United

Methodist Church are pitching in with essentials.

The state public assistance program opens reimbursements for locals, tribes, and qualifying

non-profits who've documented their hits.

With water and sewer lines priority, one plus urgent needs for drinking water and food,

relief is flowing in to stabilize these spots before the next.

Freeze Bites

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