DGGS seeks dedicated budget for geologic hazards response and expanded energy and mapping work

The Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) told the House Finance Committee it seeks funding to stand up a dedicated emergency response and prevention team for geologic hazards, while continuing mineral mapping, energy resource assessment and volcano monitoring.

Deputy Commissioner John Crother said DGGS work includes mineral resource mapping, energy‑resource characterization (including geothermal), hydrology and surficial geology, and the Alaska Volcano Observatory. He told the committee the division is requesting funding to create a team specifically tasked with emergency response and prevention of natural disasters such as floods, landslides and avalanches, including two permanent positions (a geologist 2 and a GIS analyst 2) and about $648,400 UGF to support that effort.

The nut graf: DGGS officials said Alaska is seeing more frequent and severe geologic hazards and that current staff are often committed to program work and not resourced to respond at short notice; a dedicated team would allow more rapid assessments and hazard mitigation support for affected communities.

Crother highlighted the Alaska Geologic Materials Center, which stores physical exploration samples and core, and described the Alaska Volcano Observatory’s increased instrumentation and monitoring work — matters flagged as important given ash‑hazard impacts on aviation and commerce. The division also noted expanded hydrology, cryosphere and data‑management work and said the geospatial office plays a statewide coordination role in mapping.

Members asked about specific sites and prior mothballed projects; Crother and Goodrum said interest has renewed at some former sites and that DGGS will pursue targeted assessments as resources allow.

DNR said it will return with additional details as the budget request moves through the Legislature.