MAT-SU—Last night the Assembly for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough continued deliberating amendments, up to 32 now, on next year’s Borough budget. Work continues on Wed. May 22.

MAT-SU—Last night the Assembly for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough began its budget deliberations in earnest. The Assembly adopted ten amendments that both reduced spending and funded new items, including a new mechanic for West Lakes Fire Service Area, a full-time fire chief for the growing Caswell & Willow fire service areas, and the requested three percent increase for education funding.

MAT-SU—A wet, slow-to-arrive spring, eight months after a federal flood disaster has officials at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough monitoring and responding to saturated roads, wet neighborhoods, and high water in creeks and rivers.

“The ground is so saturated that the water has nowhere to go and so is running fast on the surface,” said Borough Emergency Manager Casey Cook on Monday.

MAT-SU—A wet, slow-to-arrive spring, eight months after a federal flood disaster has officials at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough monitoring and responding to saturated roads, wet neighborhoods, and high water in creeks and rivers.

“The ground is so saturated that the water has nowhere to go and so is running fast on the surface,” said Borough Emergency Manager Casey Cook on Monday.

MAT-SU—Due to wet conditions, Borough Public Works had to close a 2.2 mile section of Caswell Lakes Road—from Amundsen Ave. to Hidden Hills Road—possibly for a week.
A heavy frost is holding water on the surface. Driving on it is leading to road failure. This is the third year in a row that Public Works had to close this road, says the road superintendent.
 

MAT-SU— This week, dedicated residents finished testifying before the Assembly of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough on the $418.5 million proposed budget. Deliberations begin on Monday, May 6, which will mark a difficult multi-day stretch for the Assembly as it combs through and shapes the budget into its final adopted form.

MAT-SU—More than 80 people attended an open house for the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension Wed., April 24, at Houston Middle School. Guests looked over several display boards on the project learning about the 17 crossings and culverts for trails & access. They saw which construction firms are on the three segments already under construction, and read about the highlights of each of the six segments.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough hosts three sites where you can safely dispose of your unused, unwanted, or expired medications. It is an anonymous service where everything collected is boxed up and taken for incineration by Alaska State Troopers.

MAT-SU—Thursday at the Menard Sports Complex more than 65 economic development volunteers met to share their progress and ideas on executing the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Economic Development Plan.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the Alaska Railroad invite the public to an open house tonight, April 24, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Houston Middle School gym to learn about the latest developments in the construction of the 32-mile rail extension from the mainline near Houston to Port MacKenzie. Project team members will present updates and discuss developments on each of the six segments of construction. Three segments are under construction now. Construction on a fourth segment will begin in late summer.

MAT-SU—Borough Manager John Moosey presented the proposed Borough budget to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly yesterday. Moosey also gave an overview of highlights that Borough staff and the Assembly and local Legislators have achieved on behalf of the Mat-Su Borough, including capable response to the 2012 federally-declared flood disaster, the ongoing construction of Port MacKenzie Rail, funding for increasing salmon returns, and 7.5 km of new Nordic ski trails at Government Peak among many other efforts.

MAT-SU—Matanuska-Susitna Borough officials greatly appreciate the $143 million in area funding for rail, roads, state highways, fire halls, schools, tourism and fisheries at a time when the State capital budget is tightening.

MAT-SU—Salmon passage is featured in the 2013 poster for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Artist Ruth Hulbert was selected to portray the significance of Mat-Su salmon fisheries to Mat-Su residents.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Public Works Dept., and HDR Alaska, Inc. invite you to see what is happening with the South Big Lake Road Realignment project. A new road alignment will improve safety and mobility. Improvements have been indentified and all right-of-way easements have been acquired.

MAT-SU—Warming temperatures and deteriorating road conditions are causing the closure of the access road to the new Government Peak Recreation Area. The road, Mountain Trails Drive, will be closed beginning tonight, April 2. The 7.5 km of Nordic ski trails are still in great shape. Alternate access to the trails will be via Edgerton Parks Road and Moose Lick Circle. Space is available for 15 cars.

MAT-SU—A sealed bid was opened today from a Dutch marine company for $751,000 to buy the Susitna Ferry from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Also still on the table, is the transfer of the vessel for free to an eligible government entity in the U.S. The Borough also remains open to unsolicited bids to buy the one-of-a-kind ship.

MAT-SU—Did you know that 36 percent of Alaska's new home construction was built in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in 2011? Learn how Mat-Su stands out by the numbers from the State Economist who's been analyzing Mat-Su outliers for years. Neal Fried gave an overview to the Borough Assembly this week. You can hear his talk and look at his slides here.

MAT-SU—As the Assembly for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough begins working on next year's budget, Mayor Larry DeVilbiss takes a look at last year. See a breakdown of taxes and how they were distributed in this memo from the Borough Finance Department.

MAT-SU—Work has begun on $88 million in construction projects for three segments of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension. Contracts were recently awarded to three construction companies. Up to 200 jobs in the construction industry could be created this summer.

Last weekend the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor, Manager, and Assistant Manager rode 48 miles roundtrip on snowmobiles from Big Lake to the future Fish Creek townsite in the Fish Creek  Management Area. The 160-acre site will be located west of Big Lake. The actual site has not been identified yet among the 10,000 acres of the management area.

MAT-SU—Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss was visited by members of the Chickaloon Traditional Village Council Tues., Feb. 26 who presented him with a map of indigenous place names in Alaska in Athabaskan.

MAT-SU—For a second time, the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a request to stop construction on the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension. Yesterday the order was issued in San Francisco, denying an emergency appeal by Cook Inlet Keeper, Sierra Club, and Alaska Survival.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough and partners will be gearing up for a global economic development conference in Anchorage in 2015. Today, Bill Popp of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation said the global meeting will put Alaska on the world stage.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has created a new wetlands website with comprehensive information about wetlands: www.matsugov.us/wetlands. The web site was developed to provide information about wetland identification, the functions of wetlands, project planning and permitting.The website contains links to a wetlands map viewer that covers the central areas of the Mat-Su and answers many frequently asked questions about wetlands.

Anchorage—Coordinated action to conserve coastal habitat in Southcentral
Alaska has captured national attention.  On Thursday February 7, 2013 at
the Alaska Forum on the Environment conference held at the Dena'ina
Convention Center, Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior for
Alaska, Pat Pourchot, will present the Matanuska-Susitna Valley Coastal
Conservation Partnership with a 2012 Coastal America Partnership Award on behalf of the Obama Administration and Coastal America.

MAT-SU—A second federal court has struck down an effort to block construction on the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension. Today U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline denied a request for a preliminary injunction by Cook Inlet Keeper, and wrote that halting construction “does not appear to be in the best interest of the public.”

MAT-SU—The Public Works Department for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has moved across the street from the administration building to a former university building, 533 E. Fireweed Ave in Palmer. The borough entered into a low-cost lease for one year with the university. The move is part of the new addition project for the Dorothy Swanda Jones building, which involves adding space in the former courtyard for offices and new Assembly chambers. Some departments are shifting around to accommodate construction and renovations for a building that dates back to 1935.

MAT-SU—The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco issued its full opinion Jan. 23, on a challenge to the Port MacKenzie Rail project. The 32-page opinion describes the project's environmental document as a "detailed, thorough, and thoughtful discussion on the wetlands impacts and mitigation measures." The rail extension will be a 32-mile link from the Alaska mainline to the deepwater dock at Port MacKenzie. Up to four segments of the project are anticipated to be under construction this summer, creating some 200 jobs.

ANCHORAGE—Crisis communications during the federal flood disaster and a video on Port MacKenzie each earned second place in the Alaska Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America at a recent awards banquet on Jan. 24. Some 130 Alaska public relations professionals are members including business and industry, military, government, and marketing strategy firms.

Mat-Su—Residents in Settlers Bay subdivision are seeing some relief from flooding groundwater today. On Wednesday,  seven workers of the Borough Public Works Department thawed through 15 inches of ice along the road and located the elusive end of a privately owned yard drain pipe. Up gushed a 5 to 6-inch geyser of water. The moving water is believed to be what has been flooding yards and icing up driveways and the road.

GOVERNMENT PEAK RECREATION AREA—Drizzle didn't keep 170 residents away last Saturday during Winter Trail Day.  Many came out to the new Government Peak Recreation Area near Hatcher Pass to try out nordic skis and snowshoes and lessons on new trails.

MAT-SU—This summer $54 million in road projects will get underway in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough including some road bond projects and other capital projects. "That is a big construction program," said Joe Perkins, hired by the Borough to review and support development of the projects. "That's at least 11 separate construction contracts with an average size of them, $5 million. That is a big load, " Perkins said.

MAT-SU—Some 150 trail enthusiasts turned out Dec. 28 to see what all the fun is about at the new cross-country ski trails at Government Peak Recreation Area at Hatcher Pass. In the first race ever at the new nordic ski area, 24 teams signed up for a total of 72 racers. View the video and hear cowbells ring in the sweep of racers, including trail designer and former Olympic nordic skier Bill Spencer who says "trails make a community." 

MAT-SU—To celebrate the annual Winter Trails Day, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division, Mat-Su Trails Council, and Alaska Trails will host free cross-country ski and snowshoe lessons on Jan. 12, Saturday, from 10:30 am to 3 pm at the new Government Peak Recreation Area. Instruction and equipment are free of charge and some refreshments.

MAT-SU—Tomorrow, residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough celebrate a 30-year-old dream made tangible: the opening of a designed ski area at Hatcher Pass. A ribbon will be cut by many hands for 5 km of Nordic Ski trails, the beginning step for a network of Olympic class trails that may one day draw international ski events such as The World Cup.

MAT-SU—If your home or business was damaged by the September federal flood disaster in the Mat-Su Borough, here's an avenue for a low interest loan to fund repairs. The US Small Business Administration is offering loans up to $200,000 for homeowners to repair or replace damaged real estate, and up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million. Interest rates can be as low as 1.688 for homeowners, renters, 3 percent for nonprofits, and 4 percent for businesses.

LEARN MORE IN PERSON at 3 locations in the Mat-Su in January.

By Frankie Barker, Planner

MAT-SU—The Big Lake Community has much to be proud of in recent years with the successful 2009 update of their comprehensive plan and the many activities that have followed to enhance their community. On Nov. 13, 2012, the Alaska chapter of the American Planning Association presented the Big Lake Community Council, Agnew:Beck consultants, and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Division with an award for the best comprehensive plan in the state.  

MAT-SU—Assembly Members for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough met with local Legislators recently to discuss state funding priorities for the Borough. The Port MacKenzie Rail Extension, the Port, Fisheries, reserve funding support for the Knik Arm Crossing and Bogard Road Extension are at the top of the list.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough will be requesting reimbursement for repairs to roads, bridges, and a local fire station, as well as for emergency staffing and supplies for the 2012 flood disaster. As part of the recovery efforts, the Borough wants to hear from residents on how to minimize future damages.

8:15 pm, Nov. 29—Cedar Hills Fire—Residents are allowed to return to the Cedar Hills Subdivision now, if they carry identification on them. Police are at checkpoints verifying.
Glowing embers will be visible in the fields. Fire officials ask that residents do not call 911 for glowing embers, only call if a fire threatens their home or safety.

PALMER—Here are maps with information on the Cedar Hills Fire. The road closures, the possible point of origin for the fire, and the evacuated subdivision area. Firefighters are expecting to contain the fire soon.

5:13 pm Nov. 29, PALMER—Residents of the Cedar Hills subdivision, north of Palmer, evacuated earlier today as a grass fire moved in, threatening three to four homes on the subdivision’s north side as of this hour. Ripping winds gusting to 50 mph or more have pushed the fire southwest to Wickersham Circle, where the fire is burning near eight homes.

No homes have burned. Reportedly outbuildings and vehicles have caught fire.

Later residences along the roads of Beylund Loop, off Scott Road, and Josh Road off of Felton Street had been evacuated.

CORRECTION: 4:30 PM. NO HOMES ARE ON FIRE. 3 to 4 homes are threatened in the Cedar Hills Subdivision and another 8 homes are threatned near Wickersham Way.

CEDAR HILLS FIRE 3:14pm, Nov. 29
MAT-SU—A fire is burning in the Cedar Hills Subdivision north of Palmer on the Glenn Highway. Initial reports have three to four structures on fire. Residents of the Subdivision have been asked to evacuate. Some 15 homes are there. A shelter is set up at the Palmer Senior Center.
Palmer Fishhook Road at the Glenn Highway is closed.
Responders from several departments are on scene. Anchorage fire may be assisting. Winds are estimated at up to 50 mph gusts or more. No injuries have been reported. More updates will follow.

PIO Patty Sullivan

745-9577 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

-end-

MAT-SU—The U.S. 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a stay on construction for the Port MacKenzie Rail project today, and indicated that the environmental groups’ court challenge to the project will not prevail.

The three-judge panel of the 9^th Circuit made its ruling in just three weeks, an extraordinarily short timeframe for a ruling by a federal appeals court.

A new international export for Alaska is moving across the docks at Port MacKenzie and drawing the interest of global buyers from Japan and South Korea.

A ship, flagged from Singapore, has been at Port MacKenzie since last Thursday, (Nov.8) loading some 8,000 tons of scrap steel, bound for South Korea. See photos and video on link:

Mat-Su—For 27 years in a row, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough's Finance Department has achieved an international award. The Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada awarded a certificate for excellence in financial reporting for the Borough's comprehensive annual financial report or CAFR. The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

MAT-SU—The Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership is hosting the fifth annual Science and Conservation Symposium on Nov. 7 & 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Central Mat-Su Public Safety Building at 101 W. Swanson Ave in Wasilla.

MAT-SU—Tonight in Big Lake, learn about the challenges and opportunities of road corridors via a community impact assessment. Get involved in creating future transportation routes. It's going on at Faith Bible Fellowship Church, from 7 to 9 pm tonight, Oct. 23.

Visit the website http://www.biglakecommunityimpact.org to sign up for regular emails on project updates.

MAT-SU—Watch a short video on what felt like King Kong coming out of a foreign ship's hold at Port MacKenzie. Then take a 6-question survey on it. You may win a free landfill coupon or a free trailhead pass in an upcoming drawing.
Here are the links to video and the survey.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough continues its effort to recover from a flood disaster in September. Federal and state officials completed a field assessment of individual damage this week. Starting Saturday the assessment begins for public infrastructure of roads and bridges. A determination on whether damage in the Borough is a federal disaster is expected to come in late November.

MAT-SU—The results from the Oct. 2, 2012 election for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough were certified tonight, and three Assembly Members and the Mayor took the oath of office. Voter turnout was 18.52 percent.

MAT-SU—More than 120 people from different agencies and entities helped in the response effort on the flood disaster. In this radio commercial, Borough Emergency Manager Casey Cook and Lead PIO Patty Sullivan give heartfelt thanks to all who helped. They also remind some of the need to be prepared in your own neighborhood.

MAT-SU—No Trespassing signs are interfering with teams who are taking damage assessments for a possible federal disaster declaration on the recent flood. Please post a FEMA OK sign on your property

MAT-SU—A section of Totem Road is closing indefinitely because the section is too steep and narrow.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Operations and Maintenance division is closing a section of Totem Road outside Wasilla, where the hill is too steep, too narrow, and is a safety and maintenance problem.  This section does not hinder access to any residence.

MAT-SU—Two roads remain closed in the Mat-Su from the recent flood disaster, including Kalispell Road and Yoder Road both near Talkeetna. Near Schrock Road, Sushana Road is open, but one lane is barricaded due to water on the road. Sushana is passable. Near the new Deneki Meadows bridge, Kenny Boulevard is open to through-traffic only. Please do not drive on Kenny unless you live nearby. Contractors are working in rough, wet conditions. Susitna Landing, off the Parks Highway is open. 

MAT-SU – EOC Staffing will be down at 6:00 p.m. but staff will monitor through the evening.

MAT-SU-- October 6. 2012  As water rises for the second time this fall, the Emergency Services Deputy Director opened the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) again with a skeleton crew.

The new Deneki Meadows bridge opened to traffic late yesterday, far ahead of the regular construction schedule. Residents and property owners can now access the other side of Willow Creek, north of Willow Fishhook Road. Work will start on Kenny Blvd. today.

MAT-SU—Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss and Assembly Member Ron Arvin appear to be re-elected in tonight’s unofficial results. Assembly Members Jim Colver and Vern Halter ran unopposed. Debby Retherford gains School Board Seat A and Incumbent Sarah Welton retains School Board Seat B.

MAT-SU—A volunteer group will be in the community for a week or more to help residents with cleanup in private homes. Some 823 structures in the Mat-Su were damaged and 14 destroyed by floodwaters, according to an initial count. Also, an incredible construction pace continues to restore bridge access for vehicles for residents in an area north of Willow Fishhook Road, hopefully by Thursday.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough’s disaster declaration ended on Saturday, Sept. 29. The Emergency Operations Center that responded to the flood disaster at full staff for nine days, closed on Friday, 11 days after heavy rain swelled many rivers and creeks simultaneously to flood levels, damaging 823 structures, destroying 14 homes, and disrupting more than 60 roads, at initial count. The Borough has begun transitioning into a recovery mode.

Mat-Su— Tee LIttle,  Environmental Conservation of Wasilla and Lorrie Moffitt, Safety Officer of the Mat-Su Borough, show how and when to disinfect a well correctly followed by the method of collecting a good water sample. If you feel your well has been compromised during a flood, this video is for you.

Mat-Su— Becka Lopez, Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, walks through the steps needed when applying for disaster relief in this video of a live presentation that took place at Talkeetna Elementary on September 25, 2012. If you've had damage to your primary residence and property as a result of the recent state recognized disaster and need help in your recovery. This video is for you.

MAT-SU—Here is a Mat-Su road update. At one point 40 roads were closed, at last count, 8 roads were still under repair.

MAT-SU—Here are locations in the Mat-Su for residents who were flooded and are seeking State Disaster Assistance at a center. The deadline to apply is Nov. 20, 2012.

Rebuilding Damaged Homes and Businesses After the Flood

MAT-SU—Owners of homes and businesses affected by the September 2012 flooding in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough will be required to meet certain local building standards before making repairs or rebuilding.

Mat-Su—Water tests are IN for the Talkeetna Public Water System. Tests came back with negative results for e.coli and total coliform. The water in the public system is SAFE to drink now.
This test is for public water system only.

MAT-SU—Subject experts in drinking water, disaster documentation for relief, well clean up and more will be at the Willow Community Center on Monday, Oct. 1, 6 pm to 7 pm. Take a look at the agenda. Tonight is a meeting in Butte, 6 pm-7pm at Butte Elementary.

MAT-SU—Here is the latest map of roads closed from the recent flood disaster. Most of the closed roads are along Willow Creek now. Take a look.

MAT-SU – September 26, 2012 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC). As it appears that the crisis response stage of this flood incident has diminished, the EOC will be reducing staff significantly as of now.

MAT-SU—Here is a flyer to a community meeting in Butte tomorrow night, Sept. 27, 6 pm at the Talkeetna Elementary School off Plumley Road. State and borough staff will give details on what to do after the flood disaster. Take a look. A similar meeting was held in Talkeetna last night and will be in Willow Monday, Oct. 1, 6 pm at the Willow Community Center.

MAT-SU – September 26, 2012 COMMUNITY MEETINGS. Two community meetings have been scheduled to address flood related matters. Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Butte Elementary, and Monday, October 1, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Willow Community Center.

MAT-SU – September 26, 2012 WATER QUALITY FOR GREATER BUTTE SUBDIVISIONS. Residents in the Windsong and Heritage Park subdivisions are advised to boil their water until further notice.

MAT-SU – September 26, 2012 DISASTER ASSISTANCE. The State of Alaska Disaster Assistance Program is ramping up to assist citizens whose homes have been damaged. Individuals have 60 days from September 21, 2012 (when the Governor signed the disaster declaration) to apply for grants when their insurance and/or other assistance is either unavailable or inadequate. If your primary residence, including renters, has been damaged, begin assembling documentation in anticipation of Disaster Assistance Centers opening. Having documentation, including items such as rental agreements, receipts for items purchased to replace damaged items, photos and other proofs of ownership, will speed up the application process.

Disaster Assistance Centers will be operational from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on October 4 & 5 at the Butte Fire Station, October 8 & 9 in Talkeetna (location to be announced), October 9 & 10 in Willow (location to be announced), and October 11 & 12 at the Wasilla Cottonwood Public Safety Building.

Watch for flyers in community centers, libraries and grocery stores for more information.

Carol Vardeman - Public Information Officer 373-5378

MAT-SU – September 26, 2012 UPDATE.  As the urgency decreases, crews have been travelling flooded areas by air to assess the damage. Rough estimates to date indicate 823 residences have been damaged: of that number 14 residences were destroyed. The Yenta River has dropped 18 inches and the weather forecast expects a ridge of high pressure which will provide more storm relief through the weekend.

More indications that the flooding is easing up is that the Red Cross will be closing their Willow shelter today at 3:00 p.m.  As much drinking water that is available will be transported to the Willow Community Center/Library in anticipation of needs after the shelter closes.

Carol Vardeman - Public Information Officer 373-5378

This is the latest update on the road closures.  The status's has not changed, just that they now are on one map.  We will continue to update these daily.

Railroad update on Gold Creek

ATTENTION TALKEETNA RESIDENTS;

Flushing of water system and Independent Lab testing tomorrow.

Emergency Operations Center, 11:58 am—ATTENTION TALKEETNA RESIDENTS:
Please boil water for all personal use.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER-MAT-SU—Here are the latest road closure maps. Good news for Shirley Towne Bridge folks, foot access will be restored today across the nearby Deneki Meadows Bridge. By next Tuesday, vehicle traffic is slated to get across Deneki Meadows Bridge. Take a look here at the maps.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER—Sept. 25, 2012, 10 am

EOC—No flood advisories exist for the Matanuska and Susitna Valleys as Mat-Su property owners and road crews turn their attention to clean up. Yentna and Skwentna rivers are still in flood stage, but the Susitna, Talkeetna, and Matanuska rivers have dropped. Some 124 response workers for the Emergency Operations Center continue coordinating a response to the flood disaster but will begin phasing down today.

Emergency Operations Center, Sept. 24, 8 pm

PIO Patty Sullivan

In an emergency meeting tonight the Assembly for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough agreed to extend the disaster declaration to Sept. 29, an approval that allows the emergency operations center to continue its response. The Assembly met in the Emergency Operations Center at the Mat-Su Public Safety Building in Wasilla, where the Assembly could see the heart of the response activity. 

September 24, 2012..Afternoon Update:

We have crews throughout the borough assessing the damage to roads and structures.  We will begin to get the numbers tomorrow.  It will take several days to get a ball park figure on how much and where the damage is.

EOC, Mat-Su Sept. 24—Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss has called an emergency Assembly meeting this evening at 6 p.m. at Central Mat-Su Public Safety Building to extend the disaster declaration that was issued on 9/20/12.

EOC—Here is an informative video no rivers in the Mat-Su with before an after images to give context.

Emergency Operations Center—The Red Cross reports that one shelter remains open at Willow Community Center, presently six people are there. More shelters can be opened if needed

Emergency Operations Center, Sep 24—As some residents move into the RECOVERY MODE consider this: Please document everything. It will affect potential future financial aid. This means, take photos, write dates, write down losses.

Monday Morning Update from the Emergency Operation Center
9/24/2012

TALKEETNA- A community meeting will be held at 6 pm on Tuesday night, (25th of September) at Talkeetna Elementary School. This meeting will address the questions of what happens next.  An emergency Assembly meeting is tonight at the Central Mat-Su Public Safety Building at 101 W. Swanson, Wasilla.

Here are two maps showing roads closed in the Mat-Su Borough due to flooding or erosion.

EOC—Here are two pop-up maps of the 13 roads that are closed around the Borough due to flooding or erosion damage.

EOC—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has sustained severe property losses from a week-long storm with high winds and heavy rains. At least three structures have fallen in rushing water, many more have been flooded. Friday more than half the town of Talkeetna left their homes. Alaska Governor Sean Parnell declared a state disaster for the Mat-Su yesterday, authorizing all state agencies and resources to be used.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is issuing the following advisory for Mat-Su area property owners near flooding streams and rivers.

Flooded wells may be contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause illness. People with onsite wells on flooded property should boil water used for drinking, cooking, hand washing, or dish washing for at least two minutes prior to use. After the flooding has subsided, the well and water system should be disinfected with chlorine and thoroughly flushed, and then tested by a certified laboratory to ensure the water is safe to drink.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is issuing the following advisory for Mat-Su area property owners near flooding streams and rivers.

Flooded onsite sewer systems may be damaged and will not function properly. If sewage has leaked onto the ground, DEC recommends disinfecting the area with lime. A light powdering of finely ground garden lime will work, or a 5% solution of water and chlorine bleach. Sewage can contain active and harmful bacteria, cysts and viruses.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is issuing the following advisory for Mat-Su area property owners near flooding streams and rivers.

Flooded onsite sewer systems may be damaged and will not function properly. If sewage has leaked onto the ground, DEC recommends disinfecting the area with lime. A light powdering of finely ground garden lime will work, or a 5% solution of water and chlorine bleach. Sewage can contain active and harmful bacteria, cysts and viruses.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is issuing the following advisory for Mat-Su area property owners near flooding streams and rivers.

Secure small fuel containers, fuel tanks and barrels used to store fuel so they do not float or blow away. Above ground tanks, including propane tanks may shift or fall causing fuel lines to kink, weaken or break, and fittings to loosen or become damaged. If you have a buried fuel tank, block vent and fill pipes to prevent water from seeping into the tank and contaminating the fuel.

If you have any questions on the integrity of your tank, fuel lines, tank stand, the fuel itself, or need help moving or returning the tank to service, please contact our fuel supplier.

If the flooding has caused a fuel, oil, or other hazardous substance spill, report the release to DEC at 907-269-3063, or outside normal business hours, call 1-800-478-9300.

For more information on flooding and flood cleanup in Alaska, visit: http://www.flood.alaska.gov.

Asst Manger George Hays flew the area impacted by the flooding.  See it here.

Asst Manger George Hays flew the area impacted by the flooding.  See it here. http://youtu.be/Y72ZpEefj8s This is another wonderful film by Stefan Hinman.  It is the helicopter flight that over flew the impacted areas yesterday afternoon.

Aerial shots Sept. 21 Thanks to LifeMed for lifting our guys in the air today. Assistant Borough Manager George Hays shot some stills. Still image albums regionwide to come. —PIO Patty Sullivan 1:31 am Sept. 22 EOC

Style showcase for Widget gallery not found!

Aerial shots Sept. 21 Thanks to LifeMed for lifting our guys in the air today. Assistant Borough Manager George Hays shot some stills. Still image albums regionwide to come. —PIO Patty Sullivan 1:36 am, Sept. 22, EOC

Style showcase for Widget gallery not found!

Water continues to receding, allowing displaced residents to go home and start the cleanup.