Governor declares disaster for Talkeetna revetment erosion

Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued an emergency disaster declaration for the revetment at the end of Main Street in Talkeetna.

Since mid-September, the Mat-Su Borough has brought almost 4,000 tons of large rocks, also known as riprap, to Downtown Talkeetna. Work is currently underway to conduct a temporary repair to the revetment, which was washed out during a high water event in late August and early September.

The state disaster declaration introduces the possibility of the borough being reimbursed for the cost of the temporary repair. According to a statement from the borough on Monday, that reimbursement could be as much as $750,000.

While the temporary repairs are underway, the borough is also working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a more permanent solution to the erosion problem.

The Mat-Su Borough has asked that the public avoid the work area at the end of Main Street for safety reasons.