March 29, 2019 - 1:55 PM
JUNEAU, Alaska - The Alaska Legislature has passed a funding bill aimed at recovery needs from the major earthquake that rocked south-central Alaska last fall and replenishing a state disaster relief fund.
The House passed the bill Friday, days after the Senate's approval. Lawmakers moved with some urgency after Gov. Mike Dunleavy's administration said the fund was running low and could be tapped out by April 1.
The bill provides $21.9 million in state dollars for the fund, intended to help with earthquake recovery and address potential spring disasters. Quake costs continue to be calculated.
There is also $6.5 million in state funds for federal matching dollars for highway repairs, $2 million for state facility damages and transportation costs not covered by insurance or the federal government and $7.9 million for wildland firefighting.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019