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.
$4.7 million just to study it.
Maybe I’m just old, but I remember when money like that was a solution and not just a study.
federal over reach!!! no free sandbags or shovels. no FEMA bailouts. back to the constitution. over throw the orange seagull king
Done many projects on multiple military bases. You want to talk about “ the fleecing of America “ do anything with the C of E. For what they run up the cost, contractors could add a whole additional wing.
This might not be for the corps as a whole. But definitely for those that are in charge. Even though they have absolutely no experience building anything.
We hear from him again now that he is in the campaign mode. After he wins re-election, it will be several years before he advocates for any Alaska again. Sullivan is a classic politician.
How did Alaska ever end up with this carpetbagger? I’d have thought we would have seen right through this.
He is always getting things done. You need to pay more attention.
Geez, another Senator that needs to be shown the door~militarily strong but emphasis on the many of the issues that plague the country and our beautiful State, he is silent. Have you ever seen him fired up~pftttt
The main reason the floods have become more destructive is that land developers built homes in the flood zone. If the home owners want the problem solved, they should pay for it. Why should the rest of us pay the bill to increase the values of homes in the affected areas.
I wish you folks would do your homework before you blather on. Being anonymous serves you well. This was not a flood zone when the valley was developed. This event is a recent occurence.
$4.7 million in local road upgrades from gravel to pavement would better serve the general public ! Now on the Flooding, cause & effect is well known but go to the source point not the effective area, WRONG focus ! The ice dam is the source. Yes the COE know well what a LASER can do and they design to stop it’s effect ,THE ARMY use them routinely in battle they are effective!
Sen. Sullivan is fully aware of their cost & the application of this great tool a 60 KW generator & the placement of one close to the location to the potential ice Dam area working 24/7 can keep the DAM from creation, STOPPING the lake & eventual flooding !
Sorry but the local Concrete / General contractors don’t make much money on that solution. Although ,YES this will work, ask any General in most any battle field. Here is where our Military can work in our community’s to potentially save lives & property. Let’s think about prevention not in mid stream or point of effect!!!! It’s a no brainer with little or no study.
The Army, Navy , Marines & Air Force have the experts who currently operate these lasers remotely controlled & with effective monitoring but it’s not been seriously been considered , WHY NOT Mr. Hanna ?
Sorry Ed but what ou are talking about is still in it’s infancy and even if it worked, glaciers are always moving. And it seems that there are seven more basins up the valley that will eventually produce the same effect as the glacier retreats Don’t be an armchair quarterback.
Wow, I had forgotten that Alaska even had a second senator aside from Princess Lisa.
He is always getting things done. You need to pay more attention.
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