ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Gov. Bill Walker has declared a state disaster for a village whose water system was crippled by a fire almost two weeks ago.
The disaster declaration makes Alatna, a community of 27 about 190 miles northwest of Fairbanks, eligible for the state public assistance program that can help pay for repair of infrastructure.
A boiler fire April 15 damaged electrical panels in the community’s 9-year-old multipurpose building, which houses a small health clinic, a washeteria and the community’s water-purification facility.
Washeterias generally provide people a place to shower and wash clothes, said Jeremy Zidek, spokesman for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Smoke damage and the loss of power forced the closure of the clinic and washeteria. The cause of the fire has not been determined and is under investigation.
The village sought the disaster declaration the day after the fire.
While the Koyukuk River remained frozen, residents could cross and haul water five miles from Allakaket. Residents made plans to store water when the river ice breaks up and makes boat travel unsafe.
However, a temporary water access point will be established at the wellhead in Alatna to let residents get potable water until permanent repairs can be made, Walker said in the announcement.
“We will move quickly to establish a temporary watering point in Alatna prior to breakup of the Koyukuk River,” Walker said. “We do not want to force people to unnecessarily travel in dangerous conditions for clean water. This disaster declaration is critical to restoring the community of Alatna and keeping Alaskans safe.”
Parts and people to make the repair likely will be flown to the village this week, Zidek said.
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