An Alaska state panel is considering a disaster declaration by the Northwest Arctic Borough in response to record snowfall in Kotzebue this winter, reports the Anchorage Daily News.
The Palin administration's Disaster Policy met this week to discuss the borough's request for state assistance for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue officials told the state that an unusually high snowfall depleted the city's snow removal budget.
The National Weather Service in Kotzebue says the average yearly snowfall for Kotzebue is about 40 inches (101 centimetres). This winter the area received almost 102 inches of snow (259 cm) -- a record, according to the Kotzebue office.
State officials say the city and borough also are worried about potential flooding from the excessive snow.
Record snowfall a concern in Kotzebue, Alaska
There was three times the average snowfall in Kotzebue this winter...and soon it will melt.
Published: 17.04.2009 12:49
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