Alaska State Legislature

News from the Office of House Speaker Representative Gail Phillips

Session: State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
http://www.akrepublicans.org/pastlegs/PhillipsG.htm
Phone: (907) 465-2689
Fax: (907) 465-3472

Interim: PO Box 3304
Homer, AK 99603
Phone: (907) 235-2921
Fax: (907) 235-4008

Disaster Declaration for Port Graham

Victims of Fire Eligible for Federal Assistance

For Immediate Release July 14, 1998 Contact: Rep. Gail Phillips (907) 235-2921.

Juneau -- Speaker of the Alaska House Gail Phillips (R-Homer) and Senator John Torgerson (R-Homer/Kasilof) announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a Declaration of Disaster for the Village of Port Graham. The village, across Cook Inlet from Homer, was severely impacted by a fire January 13th that destroyed the fish hatchery and cannery.

"This is great news for the Village of Port Graham," said Speaker Phillips. "I want to thank all the people who worked to make this happen, including the people of Port Graham, SBA Administrator Alvarez, Senator Stevens, Senator Drue Pearce, the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, and the Governor's office for all their work in getting this declaration signed."

The fire destroyed the village hatchery and cannery. The SBA originally turned-down the request, but, after reconsideration at the request of Speaker Phillips and Senator Ted Stevens, Administrator Aida Alvarez today signed the declaration. The Declaration of Disaster will make it possible for the village corporation to rebuild.

"This declaration will make it possible for Port Graham to apply for low interest federal loans," said Speaker Phillips. "This is vitally important to the village's future because of the hatchery's potential to provide sustained employment and economic opportunity," Phillips said.

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