MSB Earthquake Disaster Press Brief

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Earthquake Disaster Press Brief 12/2/2018

An Emergency Declaration (FEMA-3410-EM-AK) including, but not limited to, the Mat-Su Borough was approved on November 30, 2018 for the State of Alaska for a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred November 30, 2018. State and FEMA assistance has been approved for repairs to public infrastructure.

Earthquake Damage reporting: Mat-Su Residents can self-report earthquake damage to home and business infrastructure at the following link: http://report-ak-matsu.orioncentral.com/ (link no longer active) which will start the process of individual homes and business assistance.

Mat-Su Borough roads: Mat-Su Borough road crews continue to perform damage assessments on borough roads.

Point Mackenzie Road has a lot of damage but is still passable. However, snow developing tonight will compound these problems because the road is not plowable. Subsidence in marshy areas left cracks with lips up to four inches which makes plowing dangerous. Northern Asphalt, a Borough maintenance contractor, is cutting the asphalt, removing it and replacing it with gravel today and work will continue until the road can be safely plowed.

Expect detours on Vine Road and Pittman Road. Vine Road is closed where there is extensive damage. Debris on Vine Road is not safe for pedestrians and sightseers, please avoid that area.

Port Status: Port remains capable of receiving ships. The port manager contracted for divers to inspect the dock below the waterline. The divers mobilized from Homer and are expected to dive Monday to inspect the subsurface structure.

For updates on State of Alaska Department of Transportation roads visit: http://dot.alaska.gov/earthquake2018/.

Borough Schools: Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District PIO, Jillian Morrissey, reported there is no new information as of today on school closures. For updated information on school closures visit: https://www.matsuk12.us/

Water Quality: For information about water quality issues visit the State of Alaska DEC website.

The Matanuska Susitna Borough’s Incident Operation infrastructure is in place and active. We continue to collect information, process requests and oversee coordination of the disaster response and recovery. Questions may be directed to Otto Feather.

[Edit: Future inquiries may be directed to Acting Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough will provide updates as necessary. Erin Leaders, MSB PIO