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Assembly hears Selawik water-and-sewer concerns, disaster updates and fuel questions
Summary
During the Feb. 25 meeting the Assembly received updates on a Buckland house fire and disasters in Kiana and Selawik; the Native Village of Selawik requested assistance with water and sewer problems and VEI funding, and members raised questions about fuel procurement and fire department capacity.
Members of the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly used the Feb. 25 meeting to press for follow-up on community recovery and public-safety issues after recent local incidents.
RPTO/Chris Hatch provided an update on a house fire in Buckland and disaster incidents affecting Kiana and Selawik. Raven (Hannah) Sheldon reported Selawik is applying for VEI funding and requested a joint meeting with borough and tribal leadership; she also asked for the mayor’s participation at the scheduled joint meeting. Buckland resident Minnie Foster spoke during audience comments to thank volunteers and to highlight village recovery priorities after her community’s house fire.
Why it matters: Assembly members flagged both immediate safety needs (insurance, fire alarms, volunteer capacity) and ongoing infrastructure concerns (Selawik water and sewer) that affect residents’ health and safety and may require intergovernmental assistance.
Public Safety Director Darrel Hildebrand summarized recent activities and responded to questions about fuel purchasing and monthly billing caps, insurance coverages and the availability of a sustained fire department in some communities. Assembly members also discussed whether the borough could use available funds to keep a road to the Noorvik airport open and whether a target of 22 VPSO positions is achievable with current funding; BAF Chair Reid Magdanz asked if a $1.6 million allocation would reach that target, noting uncertainty about state support.
Members requested staff follow up with ANTHC and other partners regarding Selawik’s water and sewer problems and suggested adding Cape Blossom Road and the State STIP to future agendas for status updates. The meeting recessed at 11:55 a.m. and reconvened at 12:16 p.m.
Next steps: staff were asked to report back on Selawik water-and-sewer status, any pending VEI applications, insurance needs related to recent fires and the status of fuel procurement and VPSO funding.
