Sen. Dan Sullivan won a commitment from Adam Telle, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the US Army Corps of Engineers, to accelerate federal efforts to mitigate the growing threat of glacial lake outburst flooding in Juneau.
During a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee confirmation hearing, Sullivan emphasized the urgent need for federal assistance to mitigate the recurring summer floods caused by the Mendenhall Glacier.
The glacial outbursts, which have become increasingly destructive in recent years, damaged over 200 homes in 2024 and caused millions in property and infrastructure losses.
“This is a unique challenge,” Sullivan said, noting that the Corps is uniquely qualified to help. He recalled initial Corps estimates that a solution might take up to 10 years to develop, a timeline he characterized as unacceptable.
“Can you commit to me, and really importantly, the citizens of Juneau, Alaska, that the Corps is going to bring its best minds in a very rapid way to help address this unique challenge?” Sullivan asked.
Telle responded by acknowledging the complexity of glacial outburst floods and committed to addressing the issue promptly.
“The Corps of Engineers was made to solve tough problems,” Telle said, pledging to work with Sullivan and Juneau “in an expedited manner.”
Telle also affirmed his intention to carry out President Trump’s executive order, Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential, which directs federal agencies to accelerate critical infrastructure and permitting projects in the state, including the port in Nome.
Sen. Sullivan’s engagement with the Corps and federal agencies on the Juneau flooding issue spans several months and includes efforts ranging from emergency response coordination to securing funding and pushing legislative action:
- In August, Sullivan visited flood-affected areas in Juneau and initiated emergency response coordination with FEMA. From September through November, the Corps visited Juneau multiple times to assess damage and provide technical insight.
- In October, President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration following advocacy from the Alaska delegation. In December, Sullivan secured a provision in the American Relief Act to fund a Corps study on glacial flooding. And in March, the Corps allocated $4.75 million toward a feasibility study to develop long-term solutions.
Sullivan has also written several times to the Office of Management and Budget requesting additional funding and prioritization of permitting resources to address the challenges specific to Alaska’s geography and climate.
The Mendenhall River floods, triggered by sudden releases of water from a glacially dammed lake, represent a relatively new threat to valley neighborhoods in Juneau.