Matanuska‑Susitna Borough declares disaster for December 2025 high winds and asks state for assistance
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Summary
Borough Manager Mike Brown announced a borough disaster declaration for high winds that hit Dec. 5–9, 2025, reporting gusts of at least 89 mph and widespread damage; the borough requested state public and individual assistance and said federal/state aid would require the governor's action.
Borough Manager Mike Brown told the assembly and school board at a March 9 joint meeting that the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough has declared a disaster for the Dec. 5–9, 2025 high‑wind event and is requesting state financial disaster assistance under public and individual assistance programs.
Brown said the borough recorded wind gusts "of at least 89 miles an hour" and described widespread damage to homes, vehicles and public infrastructure that exceeded local response capacity. He thanked linemen, first responders and partners including the American Red Cross, the City of Wasilla and Mat‑Su College for sheltering and response work.
Brown warned that the borough declaration itself does not release state or federal funds to individuals or businesses; it formally requests the state to consider assistance. Later in the meeting he clarified that if the governor signs a state disaster declaration the state would activate individual assistance programs and outreach, but the borough does not have authority on its own to provide individual financial assistance beyond its administrative request.
The assembly did not record a separate roll‑call vote on the floor during the meeting; borough staff said the declaration covers a seven‑day period and the borough will announce next steps if the state responds.
Next steps: borough staff will notify the public if the state approves assistance and will coordinate any application process and outreach if the governor signs a declaration.
