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

1. On August 13, 2001, the radio tower and antenna for KOTZ AM, the radio station serving the northwest arctic area, was destroyed in an aircraft accident. This radio station provides emergency notification and warning to the area through the Emergency Alert System. The Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, Division of Emergency Services, performed a threat assessment and resolution determination through the activation of an interagency team of broadcast and emergency management experts. This assessment found that the loss of KOTZ AM's ability to disseminate event warnings jeopardizes communities and the numerous subsistence and commercial fishing and hunting camps in the area. If this ability is not restored, serious damage and threats to life, public safety, or public infrastructure could quickly escalate. The next six months are historically the peak period for destructive sea storms and river flooding events, coinciding with a significant number of non-resident hunting camps and fall subsistence camps and the last of summer subsistence camps.

2. Based on information from the threat assessment and resolution determination by the Division of Emergency Services, I have determined that this incident poses an imminent and continuing threat of sufficient magnitude and severity to justify state action.

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 the Division of Emergency Services and other state agencies in response to this incident.

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

Consistent with AS 26.23.010 - 26.23.220 (Alaska Disaster Act) and AS 26.23.300(b), expenditures will be made from the disaster relief fund (AS 26.23.300(a)) to cover costs incurred by the Division of Emergency Services and other state agencies after August 13, 2001, as a direct result of involvement in the interim restoration of the Emergency Alert System for the northwest arctic area and its communities.

This Order takes effect immediately.

Dated this 24 day of August, 2001.

S/S Tony Knowles     
Tony Knowles         
Governor