Assembly presses for flood recovery, airport upgrades and public‑safety improvements after storm

Assembly members used the Nov. 12 meeting to press administration on post‑storm priorities including flood repairs, airport upgrades and public‑safety coverage in outlying communities.

Mayor Dickie Moto and department directors summarized recent travel to Deering and Shishmaref and the State’s rock deliveries; members said Kotzebue and Deering are scheduled to receive rock for shoreline protection. Member Craig McConnell listed flood‑related infrastructure damage — including erosion near a west‑side bridge, damage to a sewer lagoon and paved road erosion adjacent to Crowley and NANA facilities — and urged prioritizing repairs.

Members asked specific operational questions: Member Lincoln Carr pressed administration to mark debris frozen in the lagoon for public safety; Member Sheldon asked how the borough could support lengthening Selawik’s airport apron and seek funding; Member Armstrong asked whether community SCERP plans have been updated and suggested lobbying for LEPC support. Department staff and the mayor indicated logistics and funding remain under discussion and encouraged applying to available grant sources.

Members also urged prompt use of two available ice‑road grants this winter, with Member Magdanz encouraging a February timeline and Member Lincoln Carr recommending posting ice road updates to the borough website so communities can plan. Several members acknowledged and thanked staff and volunteers who assisted during the flood response.

Ending: Members directed administration to follow up on retreat scheduling, a joint meeting with the North Slope Borough and to pursue grant funding and timelines for ice roads and flood mitigation work. No formal funding plan or engineering estimates were approved at the meeting.