NOAA receives $1.1M for flood and ice monitoring in Alaska
- The federal government awarded $1.1 million to NOAA for satellite monitoring of floods and ice-jam events in Alaska.
- This funding is part of a larger $2.27 million project aimed at improving flood monitoring, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.
- The investment will enhance NOAA's ability to prepare communities for destructive floods and improve forecasting accuracy.
On September 20, the federal government allocated $1.1 million to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for satellite monitoring of floods and ice-jam events in Alaska. This initiative aims to enhance data collection during severe weather events, particularly in light of recent disasters such as the unprecedented glacial lake outburst flood in Juneau, which damaged over 100 homes and prompted a state of emergency declaration by Governor Mike Dunleavy. The funding is part of a broader $2.27 million project focused on flood monitoring in Alaska, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This legislation is designed to combat climate change and improve healthcare, with a significant portion dedicated to enhancing data infrastructure for communities vulnerable to flooding. NOAA officials highlighted the unique challenges of monitoring floods in Alaska, including dense forests, limited road access, and variable river conditions. These factors complicate the ability to track and predict flooding events effectively. The new satellite data will help fill observation gaps and improve forecasting models, ultimately aiding in disaster preparedness and response. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of this investment in helping Alaskan communities prepare for severe flooding. The initiative is expected to bolster NOAA's capabilities in identifying flood conditions, thereby protecting residents and mitigating economic impacts from climate-related disasters.