Alaska DNR seeks federal funds and two state positions to boost geohazard assessment and response

The Department of Natural Resources told the Alaska House Finance Department of Natural Resources Subcommittee on Feb. 21 that it seeks federal receipt authority and two state-funded positions to expand geological hazard assessment and improve the state’s ability to respond to landslides, flooding and other geohazards.

Deputy Commissioner John Crother, Department of Natural Resources, told the committee that “significant item 9” would provide federal receipt authority for the Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) to accept federal funds for natural-hazard assessment and build out state capacity to respond.

The request would mirror long-standing state–federal cooperative programs such as the Alaska Volcano Observatory, Crother said, and would let DGGS accept federal scientific support to study landslides and other geohazards. “This program would be about data collection and a federal program to assess and gather information about these slides,” Crother said, adding that better data can position the state to respond more quickly and to pursue federal support when needed.

Why it matters: committee members were told Alaska is experiencing more frequent geohazard events, including recent Southeast landslides and local flooding. Committee members pressed how the program would affect disaster declarations, coordination with other agencies, staffing locations, and equipment needs.

What the department described: - Federal receipt authority: Crother said the item would allow DGGS to receive and manage federal funds (for example, U.S. Geological Survey support) to study landslides and geohazards across Alaska. - Two state positions: the department requested two state-funded positions to provide dedicated, on-the-ground capacity for immediate post-event assessment and prolonged field deployments that currently strain grant-funded staff. - Equipment and remote sensing: Jennifer A. T., Division Operations Manager, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, told the committee the division already has one in-house lidar system that requires aircraft support, and that the division would like to purchase smaller, drone-mounted lidar systems to reach remote locations more quickly. “Currently, the lidar system that we have needs a helicopter or a fixed wing to fly, and requires us to do contracting with aircraft companies ahead of time. So having a drone capability makes us much more flexible and more efficient and quick to respond to emergency response situations,” she said. - Staffing and geography: Crother said DGGS has staff in Fairbanks and Anchorage and that some personnel, including a named staff member based in Juneau (Mort Larson), have responded to Southeast incidents. He said the new positions might be based in Fairbanks, Anchorage or Juneau depending on operational needs, but would deploy statewide as events require. - Coordination with other agencies: Crother and Goodrum said DGGS intends to coordinate with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security and other first responders so geological-science assessments integrate with life‑safety operations without duplicating functions.

Committee questions and context: Representative Brandon Sadler asked whether the work would help the state prepare for disaster declarations; Crother said improved monitoring and data collection would help identify hazards earlier and position the state to move into federally supported response if needed. Representative Fields asked about basing and coverage; Crother noted existing staff in Juneau and that Southeast Alaska is an important locus for events. Representative Mears and others asked about equipment sharing and whether aircraft- or agency-mounted assets could be used across missions; Crother said some opportunities for coordination exist but that the lighter drone systems sought would primarily support DGGS missions across its programs.

Documentation and examples cited: Crother cited recent work on the Mendenhall Valley floods in Juneau and ongoing monitoring of the Barry Arm landslide (Prince William Sound) as examples where dedicated capacity and rapid remote sensing would have improved data collection and response.

What the department did not request or commit to at the hearing: no formal vote or appropriation occurred; committee members asked for additional written material to be provided before next meetings. The department described intent to pursue federal receipts and to request two state positions, but final funding and any related procurement actions remain subject to legislative appropriations.

Ending: The subcommittee took questions and asked the department to provide follow-up documents prior to forthcoming budget closeout discussions.