Senator
Donald Olson
Member:
Senate Finance Committee
Staff:
Brix Hahn (Nome)
Twitter: @brixhahn
Sierra Smyth (Golovin)
Twitter: @AK907Sierra
Contact Information:
Toll Free Year Round:
1-800-597-3707
Interim:
May-December:
P.O. Box 1630
Nome, AK 99762
(907) 465-3707
LEGISLATURE
ON THE WEB:
LEGISLATURE
ON TV:
CONTACT
STATEWIDE
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Senator Dan Sullivan
Anchorage Office:
907-271-5915
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U.S. Congress
Anchorage Office:
907-271-5978
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Senator Lisa Murkowski
Anchorage Office:
907-271-3735
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Office of the Governor
Anchorage Office:
907-269-7450
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September 2022
Rebuilding Communities: Typhoon Merbok
Typhoon Merbok was the worst storm I've seen in Western Alaska. Many families, including my own, have been coping with the overwhelming loss of subsistence foods intended for winter, our children's clothing and toys, and significant damage to our homes. In the most unimaginable circumstances, many of my own friends have lost their primary home as a result of the storm's wake. We, as a community, are now rebuilding before winter settles in, helping our neighbors clean and source goods, and learning how to cope with daily life in this new world of floods, storms, and rapidly changing climates.
At this time I want to ensure one thing: We all have the resources we need to begin rebuilding and healing. Below you'll find many federal and state resources you may be eligible for. Apply now, share this information freely, and thank you to those who have worked every day since the storm to rebuild our communities. I've never been more proud to be a Western Alaskan.
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Aftermath of Typhoon Merbok in Golovin. Photo by Sen. Olson staffer, Sierra Smyth. Via Twitter. |
Individuals, Families, Homeowners, Renters, Businesses, Non-Profit programs, and others affected by the Western Alaska Storm:
What you can/should do prior to applying for state and federal disaster grants and loan programs:
- Report any damage to your local officials so they are aware of the scope of damage in your community and can assist with any immediate emergency and basic needs.
- When safe to do so, document the damage to your personal property, home, business such as pictures, inventory, receipts, etc.
- If you have home, property, or business insurance, contact your insurance agent.
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**You must apply for State of Alaska assistance before you apply to FEMA.
The Individual Assistance ("IA") Program is initiated when the Governor declares a disaster.
A Federal Disaster was also declared. You need to apply to both the state and federal programs, independently.
This program can help with damaged homes, damaged transportation, essential property damage, and medical expenses.
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**You must apply for State of Alaska assistance before you apply to FEMA.
A Federal Disaster was declared by President Biden. Here are some resources for individuals, business owners, nonprofit agencies, renters, and property owners.
1-800-621-3362
Reimbursements for state and local government, public utilities, schools, for infrastructure repairs, debris removal, etc.
Reimbursements for individuals, families, renters for damage to homes, vehicles/transportation, personal property; can sometimes help with temporary housing, medical expenses.
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The Small Business Association is offering low interest loans to affected businesses.
1-800-659-2955
Mon.-Fri. from 8am – 8pm Eastern Standard Time
A Federal Disaster was declared, so you may apply for a SBA Disaster Loan:
- Small Businesses: Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- Sole Proprietors: Apply under Home and Personal Property Loans
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Homeowners, Personal Property Owners, Renters: apply under Home and Personal Property Loans (Note: Renters can only receive loans for damaged personal items inside the home. Homeowners, Personal Property Owners, and Renters should first apply for any State/Federal FEMA Individual Assistance programs. If additional funds are needed, you can then also apply to the SBA Home & Personal Property Loan program.)
SBA Alaska District office:
907-271-4022
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Disaster Assistance for Individuals and Businesses: Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal government declares your location to be a major disaster area.
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Staff can assist businesses with disaster applications and provide other resources.
907-786-7201
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Quyanaq to my friends and neighbors for your continued support. It is my honor to serve you in the Alaska Senate. |
Senator Donald Omilak Olson
Toll free: 1.800.597.3707
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