By Melinda Munson

Governor Dunleavy’s 2020 December Southeast Storm Disaster Declaration, issued after powerful winter storms battered Southeast Alaska, was amended on Dec. 29 to activate the state’s Individual Assistance Program (IA). This means that residents, not just the municipality, may receive financial assistance.

Individuals whose primary, occupied residences sustained damage in the storms may now file for help from the state. There is also possible funding for those who lost essential personal property or experienced emergency housing and/or medical needs.

Interested parties should visit www.Ready.Alaska.Gov. Application deadline is Feb. 26. Contact the Disaster Assistance Hotline at 1-855-445-7131 with questions or for help applying online. Affected individuals may also apply over the phone at 1-855-445-7131.

The following documents are necessary to register.

•Description of damages and/or losses

•Home ownership documentation

•Insurance information

•Personal identification 

•Proof of occupancy (utility bill)

Visit https://www.skagway.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/clerk039s_office/page/28831/01_07_21_state_disaster_assistance_notice.pdf for more information.