I, Tony Knowles, Governor of the State of Alaska, make the following findings:

1. Based on the information I received from the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs concerning the severe rainstorm and wind-driven sea surges that threatened the City of Kotzebue's Shore Avenue from October 2 through October 4, 1997, I have determined this event poses an imminent threat of disaster of sufficient magnitude and severity to justify state action.

2. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, Division of Emergency Services (DES), performed a preliminary damage assessment on October 7 and 8, 1997. This assessment found that sandbagging is completely gone in some sections of Shore Avenue and future wind-driven sea surges will continue the erosion. The revetment has a long history of reoccurring damage with subsequent repairs. If infrastructure is not repaired, damage could expand to homes and businesses.

3. I find it appropriate that money from the disaster relief fund (AS 26.23.300(a)), be expended to cover the costs incurred by DES and other state agencies in response to this event.

Under the authority of art. III, sec. 1, of the Alaska Constitution and AS 26.23.300(c), I, Tony Knowles, Governor of the State of Alaska, make the following orders:

1. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, Division of Emergency Services (DES), is to convene a task force consisting of Department of Transportation and Public Facilities technical experts and staff of other appropriate agencies to conduct an erosion assessment of the damage to the Shore Avenue and its associated revetment. The task force is directed to prepare and to present a short-term repair plan for the damage, which includes a cost estimate.

2. The DES is directed to convene another task force to recommend a long-term solution, including cost estimate, and potential funding sources for the erosion problem in the City of Kotzebue.

3. Consistent with AS 26.23.010 - AS 26.23.220 (Alaska Disaster Act) and AS 26.23.300(c), I authorize that expenditures be made from the disaster relief fund to cover costs incurred by DES, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, and other state agencies after October 7, 1997, as a direct result of involvement in the City of Kotzebue's severe rainstorm and sea surge event.

This Order takes effect immediately.

Dated at Juneau, Alaska, this 21 day of October, 1997.

S/S Tony Knowles     
Tony Knowles         
Governor