FEMA Disaster Assistance Application

Following the federal declaration of disaster emergency, residents can now apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.

Apply online now at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the Alaska Call Center at 1-866-342-1699. The call center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Alaska time, Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alaska time, Saturday.

FEMA opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the Mendenhall Public Library on Wednesday, October 30. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on available services, explain disaster assistance programs, help people complete or check the status of applications for federal assistance, and get information on additional resources offered by the State of Alaska.

The Disaster Recovery Center is currently open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The DRC is closed on Sundays and Mondays

State Disaster Assistance Application

The deadline for applying for State of Alaska individual assistance has now passed. To apply for assistance through FEMA, please see the information above.

The State has also shared the following information for residents with disaster damages:

• Individual Assistance Fact Sheet – 2024 Juneau Glacier Flood
• Infographic: Have disaster damages? Take these steps.
• Infographic: State of Alaska Individual Assistance process

Red Cross Financial Assistance

The American Red Cross is offering damage-based financial assistance for those whose primary residences (both renters and homeowners) sustained eligible damage as a result of the recent glacial outburst flooding in Juneau (More information in this handout.) Please call (907) 646-5467 to speak with a Red Cross representative.

Disaster Distress Mental Health Support

As many in the community face significant loss and mounting uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to care for your mental well-being alongside your physical needs. That might mean letting yourself take a break from cleaning or repair work, or checking in with friends or loved ones. It might also mean counseling or other forms of support.

If you’re in need of immediate help, the Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 support to those in distress following a disaster. Through the helpline, crisis counselors listen to what’s on your mind with patience and without judgment. To be connected with a counselor, call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Hot Showers at Dimond Park

The Dimond Park Aquatic Center locker room is open to those in need of a hot shower. Just show your ID with street address for access during open hours.

DPAC is generally open Monday – Friday 5:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Check the full schedule here, and be aware that the building will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday, August 14 from 1 – 4 p.m.

Meal Support 

The Salvation Army will continue to provide meals to impacted residents on an individual basis. If you are in need of meal support, please email [email protected].

A special Assembly meeting was held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6 to pass Resolution 3071 confirming the declaration of local emergency and requesting state and federal assistance.

State Disaster Declaration and Disaster Assistance:

We are grateful for the Governor’s State Disaster Declaration.  This makes additional resources and funding available to help recover from the flood disaster.  The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is sent staff to Juneau on August 6.  Their team is coordinating both individual assistance and public assistance applications.  Impacted residents can apply for Individual Assistance at ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA.

Federal Disaster Declaration

In September, Governor Mike Dunleavy and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska formally requested a federal declaration of emergency from the White House via FEMA. Read the submitted documentation in full. A federal declaration authorizes funds for public assistance, individual assistance, and hazard mitigation. Alaska’s full Congressional delegation submitted a joint letter in support of the declaration.

• Letter from Governor Mike Dunleavy
• Letter from Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

On October 17, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. issued a federal declaration of major disaster for the 2024 flood. The declaration will now trigger the release of federal funds to help the community recover. This is the first such declaration to be made in response to a joint state-tribal request.

Federal assistance will include both Individual Assistance for impacted households and Public Assistance for infrastructure and facilities. CBJ is working with FEMA to arrange a time for representatives to travel to Juneau and meet with affected residents.  We will share more information as soon as it is available.

During a Special Assembly Meeting on Thursday October 3, the CBJ Assembly authorized the City Manager to accept HESCO flood fighting barriers from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to begin flood fighting by constructing a temporary levee along the banks of the Mendenhall River in attempt to reduce the impacts of future flood events.   Since the August 6th flood event, CBJ has been actively engaged with industry experts and supporting governmental agencies to identify viable near-term flood mitigation measures.  Through that engagement, an engineered barrier system from HESCO was identified as the preferred alternative.  Additionally, through partnership with the USACE, CBJ will be able to commence the installation of these barriers sooner than other alternatives. CBJ will require access to riverfront properties for site review, installation, and maintenance of the HESCO barriers, which would likely be in place for several years while a permanent flood mitigation solution is determined.

On October 9-13, CBJ Engineering project managers visited riverfront property owners within the proposed Phase 1 deployment of the HESCO flood barriers, between the North end of Marion Drive, along Riverside Drive, Killewich Drive, Meander Way and Rivercourt Way. The purpose of these visits was to gather preliminary information needed to move forward with this effort; CBJ greatly appreciates the time, information and input provided from residents.  A summary of initial findings from the site visits was presented to the CBJ Assembly during the Reorganization Meeting on October 21, 2024. A summary memo is available here.

USACE Technical Experts in Juneau October 30-31

Technical experts from the US Army Corps of Engineers Flood Fighting Group (USACE) will be visiting Juneau on October 30 and 31 to provide in-person assistance and expertise to CBJ for the next phase of project development.  During the two days of the USACE visit, representatives, engineers and officials from both organizations will be walking the riverbank and yards visited earlier this month that are within the Phase 1 area (riverbanks from North Marion Drive to downstream to Rivercourt Way). During these additional site investigations officials will gather more detailed information to support the effective deployment of the HESCO Barriers. CBJ engineers and surveyors may continue to visit the area over the next couple months as additional data gathering is needed.

The total cost, funding mechanism and final deployment plan for the HESCO barriers continue to be topics under consideration by the Assembly. The Assembly will utilize the additional information gathered during the site visits to inform their discussions.

FAQs for riverfront homeowners from North Marion Drive to Rivercourt Way 

What is a HESCO Barrier? Why were they selected?

A HESCO Barrier is a 3’ wide x 4’ high sand filled boxes made of fabric mesh and a wire frame.  The stackable barriers typically come in 15’ lengths and are attached together to form a continuous temporary levee system designed to last up 5 years. HESCO barriers are a proven system used by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for their flood fighting efforts around the country. The USACE is providing the barriers and technical expertise to CBJ at no cost.  However, CBJ is responsible for the site preparation and installation of the barriers.  

 Why does a CBJ project manager need access to my property? What can I expect during their visit?

During the initial visit, the project manager will be looking for obstacles, drainages, bank stability, and the amount of space between your home and the possible alignment of the HESCO flood barrier.  They will document observations with photos, sketches, and measurements to help in the early planning of the barrier installations.  They will also be looking for access points to adjacent roadways through side yards for access to the barriers for installation and future maintenance.  They will likely return to gather more specific details and information as the plan is refined.

Does scheduling a site visit commit me to anything now?

No. CBJ is gathering information regarding the existing ground conditions along the river and homeowner concerns to share with the Assembly for future planning and decision-making.

What will CBJ do with the information gathered? 

CBJ compiled and presented the data at the Assembly Meeting on October 21 at 7:00 p.m., during which the CBJ Assembly will discuss next steps, potential costs, and related topics.   Watch the meeting recording here: https://juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-assembly/page/assembly-reorganization-meeting-2024-24 

What site preparation is needed to install the HESCO flood barriers?

The HESCO barriers must be installed on even ground that is at least 5’ away from the riverbank. If the bank is in danger of being eroded or undermined, the barriers will need to be installed further from the bank and/or the bank may need to be stabilized. The expected width of the full site improvement area is likely 20’-25’, potentially more depending on the barrier height. This includes a 10’ path for access/maintenance.

When will CBJ install the HESCO flood barriers?

CBJ’s goal is to install the flood fighting barriers as soon as possible. However, additional information, community conversations, and policy decisions are needed before site preparation can begin. Installation timelines and next steps will be discussed at the Assembly Committee of the Whole meeting on November 4. 

What if there isn’t enough space to install the HESCO barriers between the bank and my fence/shed/deck?

Obstructions may need to be removed if they inhibit the effective installation of the flood barriers. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the site preparation required. 

Are the barriers guaranteed to protect my/my neighbor’s home from flooding?

 The installation of HESCO barriers is a proven method recommended by USACE, the flood fighting experts. CBJ believes this is a strong protective measure.  However, it is not possible to guarantee that they will be 100% effective. Homeowners may also choose to install additional individual protective measures as well.

Where can I stay up to date with the latest information in this effort? 

CBJ will continue to post updates to this page. If you missed the Assembly Meeting on October 21, you can watch the recording. CBJ will also reach out to riverfront homeowners directly with email updates as available. If you have not yet signed up to receive email flood updates from CBJ, send an email to [email protected] to subscribe. 

November 18 Assembly Meeting: Local Improvement District (LID) Proposal

The Regular Assembly Meeting on Monday, November 18, will include discussion of a possible Local Improvement District (LID) for the proposed HESCO barrier flood mitigation project. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in person in the City Hall Assembly Chambers and remotely via Zoom. It will also be livestreamed on CBJ’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/cbjstream.

Zoom link: https://juneau.zoom.us/j/91515424903

Dial-in: 1-253-215-8782

Webinar ID: 915 1542 4903

Find the full agenda packet at https://juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-assembly/page/regular-assembly-meeting-2024-25.

The LID is agenda item D-4: Introduction of Ordinance 2024-40 An Ordinance Creating a Local Improvement District No. 210 HESCO Barrier Project Phase 1 and Appropriating the Sum of up to $7,580,000.

This item is on the agenda as a special order of business. The proposed ordinance will be presented before the Assembly, who will choose whether or not to take further action. If the Assembly chooses to pursue the ordinance, a full public process will begin and public hearings will be scheduled in (likely) December and February.

November 12 & 14: USACE Public Meeting/Open House on Flood Preparation for Homeowners

CBJ and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosted public events on November 12 and 14 to share knowledge and answer questions about flood preparations for homeowners.

On Tuesday, November 12, USACE held a public meeting which included a presentation followed by Q&A.  An electronic copy of the presentation is available HERE and a recording of the presentation and Q&A is available at https://youtu.be/Ohy0oD4uAU0 .

On Thursday, November 14, USACE held an open house from 4 – 7pm to answer questions and chat one-on-one with homeowners.

The CBJ Flood Response website will be updated when similar events are scheduled in the future.

November 4 Assembly Committee of the Whole Worksession: USACE Presentation on Flood Mitigation/HESCO Barriers

The November 4 Assembly COW worksession will include a presentation from the US Army Corps of Engineers on HESCO barriers and flood mitigation.

The worksession will take place at 6 p.m. in person in the City Hall Assembly Chambers or remotely via Zoom at https://juneau.zoom.us/j/95424544691.

The agenda packet is available at https://juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-acw/page/assembly-committee-whole-24.

Please note that COW worksessions do not include public testimony. However, you’re welcome to send any comments in writing to [email protected].

October 21 Assembly Reorganization Meeting: Flood Mitigation Update and Related Resolutions and Ordinances

The October 21 Assembly Reorganization Meeting will include an update on flood mitigation and site preparation and several flood related resolutions and ordinances.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Assembly Chambers. Stream at bit.ly/cbjstream or join via Zoom”

Zoom: https://juneau.zoom.us/j/91515424903
Dial-in: 1-253-215-8782
ID: 915 1542 4903

Read the agenda packet at https://juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-assembly/page/assembly-reorganization-meeting-2024-24.

October 3 Special Assembly Meeting: Flood Mitigation Emergency Ordinance

A Special Assembly Meeting will take place on Thursday, October 3 at 12 p.m. via Zoom only. The Assembly will receive a flood mitigation update from the City Manager and take action on Emergency Ordinance 2024-34 (An Emergency Ordinance Authorizing the Manager to Execute a Cooperative Agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers for Advance Measure Assistance).

The meeting agenda and packet are available at juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-assembly/page/special-assembly-meeting-2024-23.

Join the meeting at https://juneau.zoom.us/j/91515424903 or call 1-253-215-8782 with Webinar ID 915 1542 4903.

Members of the public that want to provide oral testimony must notify the Municipal Clerk by 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 3 by calling 907-586-5278 and indicating the topic(s) upon which they wish to testify. Members of the public are encouraged to send their comments in advance of the meeting to [email protected].

September 23 Special Assembly Meeting: Advocacy Update, Public Hearing on Flood Response Ordinances

The following ordinances were introduced at the regular Assembly meeting on September 16 and were up for public hearing at the special meeting on September 23.

Ordinance 2024-01(b)(M) An Ordinance Appropriating $3,000,000 to the Manager as Local Matching Funds for a United States Army Corps of Engineers Glacier Outburst Flooding General Investigation Study; Funding Provided by General Funds.

Ordinance 2024-01(b)(N) An Ordinance Appropriating $100,000 to the Manager for Expanded Inundation Maps and Hydrological Modeling of the Mendenhall River; Funding Provided by General Funds.

The meeting also included an update from the Mayor and City Manager about meetings with federal agencies to advocate for a federal declaration of disaster and flood mitigation support.

Watch a recording or read the agenda packet at https://juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-assembly/page/special-assembly-meeting-2024-22.

September 16 Regular Assembly Meeting: Flood Response Ordinances Introduced

The September 16 Regular Assembly Meeting included the introduction of several ordinances related to flood response and mitigation.

Ordinance 2024-01(b)(M): An Ordinance Appropriating $3,000,000 to the Manager as Local Matching Funds for a United States Army Corps of Engineers Glacier Outburst Flooding General Investigation Study; Funding Provided by General Funds.

Ordinance 2024-01(b)(N) An Ordinance Appropriating $100,000 to the Manager for Expanded Inundation Maps and Hydrological Modeling of the Mendenhall River; Funding Provided by General Funds.

Watch a recording of the meeting or read the agenda packet at https://juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-assembly/page/regular-assembly-meeting-2024-21.

September 9 Assembly Committee of the Whole Worksession: Flood Mitigation Update

The Assembly Committee of the Whole worksession scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, September 9 included an update on flood mitigation. Representatives from several federal agencies met with CBJ on September 6 and CBJ participants reported to the Assembly at the worksession.

Read the agenda packet or watch a recording of the meeting on https://juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-acw/page/assembly-committee-whole-16.

August 19 Assembly Meeting: Flood Response Update

The August 19 Assembly meeting included a major update on flood response from CBJ and partners, as well as heartfelt testimony from the public.

Read the agenda packet or watch a recording of the meeting at juneau-ak.municodemeetings.com/bc-assembly/page/regular-assembly-meeting-2024-20.

CBJ is interested in hearing from individuals or organizations, especially those with expertise in civil engineering or hydrology, who have ideas to prevent or mitigate future glacier lake outburst events. Please email [email protected].

Request for Mitigation Assistance from US Army Corps of Engineers

On September 19, the Governor’s Office requested USACE emergency management planning assistance, including flood-fighting resources. On September 18, Tlingit & Haida requested a USACE feasibility study to address the impacts of glacial erosion and flooding. Among other things, a feasibility study would enable CBJ and Tlingit & Haida to access critical federal resources, such as the Alaska Coastal Erosion grant, for damage prevention and protection.

Public Meetings on Mitigation

Flood mitigation is a regular topic at recent Assembly meetings and worksessions. Several ordinances have been introduced to secure funding and CBJ staff and partners have regularly reported on the status of federal advocacy efforts.

See the “Public Meetings” tab on this page for information about upcoming public meetings addressing flood mitigation, as well as links to recordings of past meetings.

Mitigation for Homeowners

FEMA has a number of resources available for homeowners exploring individual steps to protect their property from flooding. For links and information, see the “Next Steps for Impacted Homeowners” tab.

• To check conditions at Suicide Basin, visit the National Weather Service’s monitoring page at weather.gov/ajk/SuicideBasin.
• To see maps modeling floodwater inundation levels, visit water.noaa.gov/gauges/MNDA2 (scroll down and click “Activate MNDA2 FIM Gauge”).
• For the latest weather information and updates, follow the National Weather Service on Facebook and X (Twitter).

• Homeowners experiencing flood damage are encouraged to check FEMA’s informational booklet Repairing Your Flooded Home for step-by-step advice to help clean up and rebuild.

• Residents who have experienced damage or displacement are encouraged to read through a recovery checklist of steps to take about insurance, mortgage, utilities, and more.

• Homeowners who would like to explore individual mitigation steps for their property are encouraged to check the FEMA Mitigation for Homeowners fact sheet.

• To see tips on how to protect your home and property, take a look at FEMA’s Protect Your Property from Flooding document.

• For more in-depth information and guidance about protecting your property from flood events, download the FEMA Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your Home From Flooding (PDF, 52 MB).

• For guidance for mobile and manufactured home flood protection, please read the Flood Wise Strategies for Mobile & Manufactured Home Flood Resilience document from Headwaters Economics.

• CBJ has received a delivery of sandbags from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and will distribute them to impacted homeowners from October 19 through October 22. Every household that was impacted by the 2024 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is eligible to receive up to 200 sandbags free of charge. For details about where to pick up sandbags and fill, as well as other questions you may have, please see the CBJ Sandbag Distribution FAQ.

• For information and guidance about using sandbags to protect your property, see these guidelines from the US Army Corps of Engineers: Flood Fighting: How To Use Sandbags, Flood Fighting Techniques, and Sandbags: Construction, Measurement, and Filling.

• For general information about flood fighting and preparation, see the USACE’s Flood-Fight Handbook.

• Visit FEMA’s How to Stay Safe When A Flood Threatens for safety tips.

• Click here to view the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) health and safety guidance document, Be Ready! Floods.

• For learn how to read flood maps, take a look at FEMA’s RiskMAP: How To Read a Flood Map document.

• CBJ and the US Army Corps of Engineers will host public events on November 12 & 14 about flood preparation for homeowners. See the Public Meetings tab for more information.

The following is a list of local contractors that may be able to assist homeowners with reconstruction projects. If you are a contractor who would like to be added to this list, please contact [email protected].

CBJ is providing this for informational purposes only and at the request of the community. CBJ is not formally endorsing or recommending any individual private business, but greatly appreciates the support the Juneau business community continues to provide to impacted residents.

Entries in red are new additions to the list. (Last addition: 11/14)

Company	Phone	Email
Alaska Concrete Casting	907-780-4225	[email protected]
Alaska Renovators, Inc.	907-209-6320	[email protected]
Alpine Construction Enterprises, LLC	907-723-6473	[email protected]
B&R Construction	907-789-3669	[email protected]
Bicknell Inc.	907-789-5727	[email protected]
Building Pros, Inc.	907-312-1626	[email protected]
Bruce Griggs	907-723-7851	[email protected]
Compass Construction, LLC	907-723-6627	[email protected]
Carver Construction, LLC	907-364-3215	[email protected]
Chatham Electric	907-789-9899	[email protected]
Constellation Development	907-364-3166	[email protected]
Coogan Construction	907-780-6000	[email protected]
Dawson Construction	907-780-1500	[email protected]
Douglas Island Development, LLC	907-723-6803	[email protected]
Duran Construction Co.	907-321-6161	[email protected]
Harri Plumbing & Heating, Inc.	907-586-3190	[email protected]
Highliner Construction	907-500-7939	[email protected]
Holombo Construction LLC	907-789-5235	[email protected]
Island Contractors Inc	907-723-0183	[email protected]
JG Construction	907-500-7959	[email protected]
Luedke Construction	907-419-8170	[email protected]
Lowpete Construction Inc	907-789-5025	[email protected]
Miramontes Construction	907-780-2246	[email protected]
Operating Engineers Local 302	907-586-3850	[email protected]
Peak Construction	907-321-7792	[email protected]
Polyseal/MCGA	907-745-7325	[email protected]
Renewal by Andersen of Alaska	907-331-6894	[email protected]
RH Development L.L.C.	907-790-4146	[email protected]
SEAK, LLC	907-957-7325	[email protected]
Silverbow Construction	907-723-9886	[email protected]
Southeast Alaska Maintenance L.L.C.	907-780-4157	[email protected]
Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority (dba Southeast General Contractors)	907-780-3188	[email protected]
Tongass Electric	907-617-9246	[email protected]
Unalakleet Investments, LLC	717-491-9994	[email protected]
VRB Construction, LLC	907-723-0141	[email protected]

• Tim Murphy has offered to assist impacted residents with computer & data recovery. Please contact [email protected].
• Delta Western has also offered to dip oil tanks for water and provide oil boom and other sorbent materials at no cost to impacted residences in the flood zone. Interested residents can contact Delta Western at their Juneau Office, 907-586-2800.
• AK Heat Smart will prioritize residents replacing flood-damaged boilers, furnaces, or other heating systems with a heat pump. Tax credits and financial incentives are available. Visit akheatsmart.org for information or call 907-975-2943.
• Juneau Composts! is providing free compost to food-based gardens that were in the flood zone. Send an email to [email protected] with your address and your approximate garden dimensions. They will respond with directions on how to claim your free compost.
• Your Northern Home: crawl spaces in Southeast Alaska is an educational video from the Cold Climate Housing Research Center that may be useful for homeowners looking for information about insulation and vapor barrier installation.

If your home or property was damaged in the flooding, you are encouraged to request partial property tax relief from the CBJ Assessor’s Office.

The Assessor’s Office will provide more information and guidance in the coming days, but property owners who are ready to take next steps now are welcome to fill out the Disaster Relief form and return it by email, along with photos of damage, to [email protected] or by postal mail to 155 Heritage Way, Juneau, Alaska 99801.

If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call (907) 586-5215 ext 4033.

After-the-Fact Permitting

The CBJ Community Development Department has authorized after-the-fact permitting to address immediate threats to property and safety. This includes both home repair and emergency bank stabilization.

After-the-fact permitting means that property owners may proceed immediately with work necessary to make their home or property safe, on the understanding that they will obtain the necessary permits as soon as possible.

Permitting requirements differ depending on the type of work and the property location. Please read the complete FAQs linked below to understand what kind of after-the-fact permits you may need and how to acquire them.

Home Repair (Building Permits)

After-the-fact permitting is allowed for home repair to address immediate threats to property and safety. Some examples include plumbing, electrical, and heating repairs.

Many immediate repairs—such as insulation and sheet rock—don’t require a building permit at all. Others, such as electrical repairs, typically do. Once your home is safe, contact the Community Development Department Building Division at (907) 586-0767 and request to speak with a building inspector. The inspector will be able to tell you whether an after-the-fact building permit is necessary.

Important note: If your home or structure is in the Mendenhall River mapped floodplain or floodway, you may also need a Floodplain Development Permit. It’s best to check on the floodplain permit in advance, because a floodplain permit might trigger other requirements for the work that need to be addressed upfront.

Read the complete guide to after-the-fact permitting for your home repair work at After-the-Fact Permitting – A Guide for Home Repair.

Demo Permits (Building Sales Tax Exemption Card)

The CBJ Community Development Department will issue a demo permit “To prepare for flood restoration.”  This is a permit with no fee attached. With the permit, CDD will issue a Building Sales Tax Exemption card for supplies and labor. The demo permit will cover the repair/replacement of sheetrock, cabinets, counters, flooring, and other items/actions not requiring inspection.

If structural, mechanical, or electrical repairs or upgrades are being performed then a building permit (not a demo permit) is required, as inspections will be required for those repairs or upgrades—see the Home Repair section above.

To apply for a demo permit or get clarification on what items may or may not require inspection please contact the Juneau Permit Center at 907-586-0770 or online at juneau.org/community-development.

Emergency Bank Stabilization

After-the-fact permitting is allowed for emergency bank stabilization on the Mendenhall River to protect property and structures from further damage from the flood. For example, property owners may immediately repair damage to existing bank stabilization, or place new bank stabilization.

Important note: Emergency bank stabilization does not include placing fill to reclaim land beyond what is necessary to secure structures or place bank stabilization according to engineering standards. Such reclamation requires full permitting before starting work.

Once your property is safe, you’ll need to apply for a Grading Permit (including plans certified by an engineer licensed in the State of Alaska). Depending on the location of your property, you may also need to apply for a Floodplain Development Permit. More information about both permits—and how to tell what you need—is included in the guide below.

Read the complete guide to after-the-fact permitting for emergency bank stabilization at After-the-Fact Permitting – A Guide for Bank Stabilization.

There has been a steady decrease in demand for disaster debris collection in the past week, but we know that several homes are still removing damaged items and materials. Starting Wednesday, September 4, CBJ will switch to collecting debris by request. Please continue to bag and move your debris to the right-of-way, and when you’re ready for collection, email [email protected] with your street address.

Monday, September 30, will be the last day CBJ will be doing routine debris collection. If you are working with a contractor to remove construction and demolition waste (such as flooring and drywall) after that date, please ask them to contact [email protected], and CBJ staff may collect these items on a case-by-case basis.

Please continue to separate out hazardous waste. Hazardous items include cleaning chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, propane tanks, electronic waste/anything with a battery or cord (except freezers, refrigerators, and AC units). See a list here. You can also dispose of hazardous waste for free at CBJ’s RecycleWorks facility. Visit juneaurecycling.com for more information about household hazardous waste.

If you are self-hauling to Waste Management’s Capitol Disposal landfill, please keep in mind that documentation is required for all loads. Please complete the non-asbestos certification form before arriving at the landfill. The landfill is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. for residential customers.

Please note that this is a reimbursable expense for up to $1,500 if your application for Individual Assistance (IA) is approved by the State. Residents will need to provide receipts of payment for reimbursement and apply online or via the hotline at 1-844-445-7131 to utilize IA funding. Visit ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA to learn more about the process or start your application.

Please bring brush and trees to the “stump dump” and not the landfill or Juneau Composts. Contact Alaska Juneau Construction  at 907-789-7199 or [email protected] for disposal information.

Stay Safe from Mold

Although mold can start growing within 24 hours after water enters your home, it often takes some time before it’s easily detectable. At the same time, mold exposure can lead to breathing problems or allergic reactions.

Be on the alert for signs of mold or symptoms of exposure, and be sure to protect yourself while you’re cleaning. Here are a few helpful resources:

• Tlingit & Haida Tribal Operations Center: Signs & symptoms of mold
• CDC: 8 tips to clean up mold
• CDC: Mold clean-up after disasters: When to use bleach
• CDC: Shopping list for cleaning mold in your home after a flood
• CDC: What to wear before entering a home or building with mold damage
• CDC: Homeowner’s and renter’s guide to mold clean-up after disasters
• EPA: Flood clean-up: Protecting indoor air quality

Please stay away from flood-impacted areas if at all possible to allow response crews to work unobstructed. Your cooperation is deeply appreciated.

Damage Assessment:

• The CBJ Building Official is available for field visits.  Please e-mail [email protected] if you would like assistance from the Building Official on determining whether your building is not safe.  In the interim, please see these resources linked below.  The Red Cross will continue providing assistance in the coming weeks to help do the formal Damage Assessment documentation.
  • Returning Home After A Flood: FEMA provides the following practical recommendations and safety precautions for residents returning home after a flood.
    • Returning Home After a Flood_FEMA (PDF)

FEMA Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment

Representatives from FEMA and the SBA are in Juneau recently traveled to Juneau to conduct a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) following the August 6 Mendenhall River flooding.

Teams of FEMA, SBA, state and tribal representatives were on the ground in neighborhoods impacted by flooding, visiting individual homes, doing damage assessments, and gathering information to support any request for a federal declaration of emergency.

The CBJ Community Development has prepared a flood insurance FAQ answering questions like how to start a flood insurance claim and how FEMA flood insurance works. If you’re not sure whether your home insurance covers flood damage or where to find more information, start with this FAQ.

If you’re ready to start a federal flood insurance claim, visit FEMA’s webpage Starting Your Recovery After a Flood.

To speak with a FEMA flood insurance expert, contact Kristin Minich, FEMA Region X Flood Insurance Liaison, at (202) 631-9604 or [email protected].

• Residents who have loose or spilling fuel tanks and/or other hazardous spill situations should contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Prevention and Response hotline at 1-800-478-9300, or report a spill via their website at https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/.
  • DEC staff are in the field responding to reports of spills and odors in the impacted neighborhoods.

• Delta Western has offered to dip oil tanks for water and provide oil boom and other sorbent materials at no cost to impacted residences in the flood zone. Interested residents can contact Delta Western at their Juneau Office, 907-586-2800.

• Learn more about how to protect your home heating tank and prevent spills in the future at https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/ppr/prevention-preparedness/hho-tanks/

If you are looking for information about how to select or hire a private attorney, you may wish to use the Alaska Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service. Visit alaskabar.org or call (907) 272-0352 / toll-free 1-800-770-9999.

If you are looking for information about city laws or policy, the complete CBJ municipal code is searchable online at juneau.org/code.

Many residents have cars or trucks that have been damaged or totaled by the flood and are now wondering what steps to take.

CBJ will soon begin removing and disposing of flood-damaged vehicles by owner request. If you’re not filing an insurance claim, you can sign up to have your vehicle collected from your residence or street. Read CBJ’s flood-damaged vehicle guidance to find out how to sign up and prepare your vehicle for removal.

Please note that if you are filing an insurance claim, do not have CBJ remove your vehicle—this will negatively impact your claim.

If you can’t wait for your vehicle to be collected, you’re welcome to dispose of it for free through CBJ’s junk vehicle program. Visit juneau.org/engineering-public-works/recycleworks/junk-cars for step-by-step instructions.

Request a Water Turn-Off

In the wake of damage to your home, it’s easy to overlook the important step of turning off your utilities. If your home is uninhabitable and you cannot use water or sewer services due to recent flooding, please contact the CBJ Meters team to request a water turn-off. This will make sure you are not billed unnecessarily

Call or text (907) 723-0449 or email [email protected] to request a turn-off. There is no turn-off fee for flood-affected residents.

Power Outages

Alaska Electric Light & Power (AELP) closely monitored rising water levels leading up to and during the flood and disconnected power to affected neighborhoods prior to inundation. AELP staff reconnecting power as it was is safe to do so and is sharing the latest outage updates on their website and Facebook page.

Emergency Shelter and Temporary Housing

• CBJ opened an emergency shelter at the former Floyd Dryden Middle School Building (3800 Mendenhall Loop Road) to those impacted by potential flooding. Residents began arriving at approximately 1 a.m. on August 6 and a total of 43 people took shelter at Floyd Dryden over the night.
• Many residents who initially planned to return to their homes are now realizing that repairs will take longer than anticipated. Others are facing unexpected health and safety concerns.If you are unable to stay in your home because of flood damage and are in need of shelter, please email [email protected] to be connected with those coordinating shelter and temporary housing.

At this stage, the United Way is no longer coordinating resident connections with volunteer groups. Instead, they are focusing on providing resources such as information and cleaning supplies. Message boards for posting services, donated items and needs, as well as a small cleaning supply depot, will be available at Melvin Park.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the United Way volunteers, Team Rubicon and others who have generously contributed their time and efforts.

For those interested in making financial contributions, please visit the Juneau Community Foundation’s website at juneaucf.org for details on how to donate to the Mendenhall Flood relief fund.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to [email protected] to be connected with the right organization.

Please be aware of an email scam going around that appears to come from a CBJ board, commission or department and claims that the recipient owes payment or fees to CBJ. If the sender’s email does not end in “@juneau.gov,” this is a scam. If you are at all unsure or have questions, please contact [email protected].

Scammers often take advantage of the emotional situations following disasters. If you receive an unexpected request for payment or invoice from any agency, business or individual, please proceed with caution as it may be a scam. If you are unsure, contact [email protected].

• Please send questions and non-emergency reports to [email protected]. For those without access to email, contact the City Manager’s Office at 907-586-5240.
• Please limit calls to 911 or JPD dispatch to emergencies only, so that emergency responders are able to continue assisting the community.
• For more information and data, follow National Weather Service Juneau on Facebook, visit the NWS Suicide Basin monitoring page at www.weather.gov/ajk/suicideBasin, or see the NWS Mendenhall River gauge at water.noaa.gov/gauges/MNDA2.

On August 7, the CBJ Assembly passed Resolution 3036(b) confirming the declaration of local emergency and requesting state and federal assistance.

The Mendenhall River banks remain highly unstable. All individuals are strongly advised to stay away from the river to ensure their safety.

• The Juneau Community Foundation has announced that they are accepting applications for relief assistance from those negatively impacted by the glacier outburst flooding through December 31, 2023. Information and application forms are available on the Mendenhall Flood Relief Fund webpage.

• The Governor has issued a declaration of emergency and the State of Alaska is now accepting applications for individual assistance. Apply now through October 9 at ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA or call 1-844-445-7131 (Monday – Friday 8 a.m – 4 p.m.). The State has shared the following information for residents with disaster damages:
  • 2023 Juneau Suicide Basin Individual Assistance flyer
  • Individual Assistance fact sheet
  • Infographic: Have disaster damages? Take these steps.
  • Infographic: State of Alaska Individual Assistance process

• Local aid organizations are assisting residents impacted by flooding. See Mendenhall Valley Flood Donations and Volunteer Options to find out how to donate or request assistance. Individuals or organizations interested in volunteering should sign up using the United Way of Southeast Alaska form.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to businesses and residents affected by the flooding. SBA representatives will open a disaster loan outreach center at Dimond Park Aquatic Center from October 10-24. The deadline to apply for property damage is December 5, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 8, 2024. Read the SBA’s press release for more details, or see the following fact sheets:
  • SBA Disaster Loans fact sheet
  • SBA Disaster Assistance flyer
  • Infographic: 3 step process

• Homeowners experiencing flood damage are encouraged to check FEMA’s informational booklet Repairing Your Flooded Home for step-by-step advice to help clean up and rebuild.

• Residents who have experienced damage or displacement are encouraged to read through a recovery checklist of steps to take about insurance, mortgage, utilities, and more.

• Residents who have loose or spilling fuel tanks and/or other hazardous spill situations should contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Prevention and Response hotline at 1-800-478-9300.

• For Real Property Exemption Disaster Relief, please see the guidelines and application.

Please see the CBJ newsroom for the most recent information releases.