Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a Disaster Declaration for areas along the Parks and Richardson Highways and portions of the Alaska Railroad Corridor affected by the 2025 January Interior Winter Storm. The declaration will enable the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) to secure regulatory relief from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Activation of State of Alaska Public and Individual Assistance Disaster Recovery programs will not be necessary.
Between Jan. 24-26, a series of severe storms brought high winds, heavy snow, and avalanches to parts of Interior Alaska. The National Weather Service issued a series of winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories for large areas of the state. The severe weather resulted in the closure of major highways, hazardous travel conditions for passenger and commercial traffic, and delays to supply chains and the delivery of essential goods and services.
This declaration will enable DOT&PF Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Compliance to formally request relief from federal regulations through the FMCSA, including waivers for hours-of-service regulations for motor carriers operating in the affected areas.
Director Bryan Fisher, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said, “Logistics in Alaska is always a challenge, especially during the winter months.”
The 2025 January Interior Winter Storm stopped the flow of essential goods and services.
The disaster declaration will allow the state to request a waiver of certain transportation requirements and allow transportation partners to stabilize the supply chain that supports interior Alaska.
“This work needs to be completed before another event to ensure Interior Alaska has the critical life, health, and safety goods and services they need.” Fisher says.
Damage to critical infrastructure has not been reported at this time, and access to the state’s Disaster Relief Fund is not anticipated.