Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
The state of Alaska will provide emergency funds to Savoonga villagers whose homes were damaged by recent power outages. A dramatic storm that wiped out electric transmission lines in late December and early January is being blamed for prolonged power failures that resulted in burst pipes, ruptured sewer lines and interior flooding in privately owned homes and public buildings. About 150 people had to take shelter in Savoonga’s school for several days.
Governor Sean Parnell has declared the storm a disaster, and activated the state’s Individual Assistance Program, which is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals or families to meet eligible disaster related necessary expenses and unmet needs. The maximum amount for the current year is over $15,000.
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