WHEREAS, spring in Alaska brings the potential for devastating floods caused by ice jams in rivers, coastal storm surging, high precipitation, and rapid thawing of winter snow and ice that threatens lives, property, and community economies along major waterways; and
WHEREAS, nearly nine out of ten Alaska Native villages experience flooding and/or erosion annually; and
WHEREAS, the Yukon River ice jam flood in May of 2013 resulted in a federal disaster declaration and the combined costs to state and federal governments reached upwards of $80 million; and
WHEREAS, flood events make up 75 percent of all presidential declarations of emergency and major disasters nationwide; and
WHEREAS, the potential for loss of life and damage to property and detrimental effects on the economy can be greatly reduced if appropriate flood preparedness and mitigation measures are taken before and after flood events; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Silver Jackets, a team made up of federal, state, and local agencies, serves as a facilitator in developing comprehensive and sustainable solutions to flood hazard issues including mitigation planning, flood hazard mapping, risk reduction activities, and response and recovery planning in Alaska; and
WHEREAS, Flood Preparedness Week is intended to educate Alaskans on the potential risk to life and property from flooding and to promote planning and preparedness for flood events.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 16 – 22, 2023 as:
Flood Preparedness Week
in Alaska, and encourage Alaskans to educate themselves about the potential for flood danger at their homes and in their communities and to share that knowledge with their neighbors.
Dated: April 16, 2023
