U.S. Senator Mark Begich commended the decision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to designate Galena, Circle, and Eagle, all recently ravaged by spring floods, as communities eligible for Permanent Housing Construction (PHC).

The announcement was made by Associate Administrator Joe Nimmich to staff of the Alaska Congressional Delegation.

Under this designation, FEMA will pay 100 percent of the purchase and shipping costs for materials to repair the damages caused in Galena by the floods. This designation is exceptionally rare, used only twice before in response to earthquake and flood damage in American Samoa and in Eagle, Alaska following the 2009 flood disaster.

“The people of Galena have lost their homes and livelihoods but they haven’t lost hope,” said Begich. “I know the community is hard at work to rebuild before winter comes and I want to make sure Galena residents have the supplies and materials they need to get the job done. I’m going to visit Galena in August to see the progress for myself and to determine if there are other federal resources that can be provided to help this community recover.”

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, will accompany Begich on the trip to Galena.

Begich is chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management, Intergovernmental Relations and the District of Columbia for the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs which has oversight of FEMA.