By WIN GRUENING
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” ~ Coretta Scott King
The glacier outburst flood events of the last two years that placed Alaska’s Capital City in the national news have challenged the community of Juneau in ways that could never have been imagined. Financially and emotionally, affected residents are facing an impossible situation.
City officials are considering lining the Mendenhall River with Hesco barriers which may eventually cost tens of millions of dollars. But this is, at best, a stop-gap measure.
Without a long-term resolution within a reasonable time, hundreds of homeowners will find it difficult to sell their homes or obtain loans to improve them. The total assessed value of homes that could be impacted approaches $1.5 billion.
Juneau’s future as a healthy thriving community is threatened.
It is disheartening to hear some people suggest that Mendenhall Valley residents facing floods again next year are on their own: “They chose to live there, it’s their problem” or “They should have known better.”
Such attitudes ignore the reality that most Mendenhall Valley homeowners live in areas that are not within the 100-year flood plain and were not identified as hazardous flood zones when their homes were built or purchased.
What it reveals is a disturbing lack of empathy for our neighbors that casts a dark shadow over the city and our state.
Living in a community means belonging to a group of people who share common interests, values, or geographic location.
Communities can be large or small and may overlap. For instance, we may identify as American and as Filipino or as Alaskans and Juneauites. Communities can be distinctly different, but they are similar in that they give us a sense of connection, a feeling of belonging, and a network of support.
Even when groups have diverse political views or cultural backgrounds, to ensure a healthy community, members assume responsibilities to contribute positively. This includes respecting others, participating in civic discussions, and offering help when needed. By actively engaging and contributing, the result is a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
So, when the Mendenhall Valley floods, or a tsunami takes out homes in local neighborhoods like Fritz Cove or Lena Point, or an avalanche or landslide buries downtown Juneau, residents recognize that they are all in it together.
Just like we witnessed when floods devastated Fairbanks and earthquakes struck Anchorage and Eagle River.
Not everyone will agree on how a community should function. Ideally, each of us will contribute in our own way, in accordance with our personal belief systems and physical and financial limitations.
But conceptually, supporting our neighbors in need is something that we should all agree upon. That means spreading major flood mitigation expenses over the entire community instead of saddling Valley homeowners with costs many cannot afford.
Furthermore, we should pull out all the stops in providing help as soon as possible. This means cutting governmental red tape where possible and not dismissing unconventional approaches that will meet predictable bureaucratic resistance.
One such approach, building a levee around Mendenhall Lake with local expertise and contractors is generally being ignored. Yet, it likely could be accomplished in a much shorter timeframe than the 5-10-year (or longer) option chosen by city officials.
What better way to show compassion for our neighbors than by allowing local residents to participate in and contribute to the solution?
City leaders are now beginning the long and torturous budgeting process for the next fiscal year to determine what Juneau can afford going forward.
Given the financial pressures being exerted by flood relief and mitigation, declining population, and falling school enrollments, city assemblymembers will need to be judicious in allocating budget dollars. This means that some discretionary spending may require trimming, and new revenue sources supported.
New revenues don’t necessarily mean higher property or sales taxes. Raising taxes should be a last resort. The Assembly is currently considering moving ahead on the Aak’w Landing project which could bring a much needed $150 million private investment to Juneau, providing additional tax revenue and employment opportunities.
Encouraging healthy economic growth is also a responsibility of Juneau residents that will allow the community to prosper and continue to help neighbors in need.
After retiring as the senior vice president in charge of business banking for Key Bank in Alaska, Win Gruening became a regular opinion page columnist for the Juneau Empire. He was born and raised in Juneau and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1970. He is involved in various local and statewide organizations.
Agreed. Thank you for bringing common sense to the table.
Maybe(???), a workable solution would be to dredge out a large canal (wide and deep) within Mendenhall River an effort to allow for another of these events to be effectively ‘managed’ and ‘mitigated’ in the future.
Well thought, well measured, and well said. Thank you Win.
Empathy, the taxpayers have been showing empathy for a long time. I do feel their pain, seeing our property eroded. I also understand that paying to rebuild or spending millions over and over like on the barrier islands concerns many. The best bet is a buy- out, it’s a one time thing.
When I approached our good Mayor about the whole community getting involved in this and sharing the expense of this project because it affects the health and vitality of the whole community, she told me it could not be done that way and the Assembly would never support it. If that approach prevails I fear for our community.
Location, location, location.
Many homes damaged were NOT in designated flood zones. Emily Way in the valley was not, and I know 3 different property owners who were told by their (different) insurance brokers that flood insurance was not needed for their properties. I am a real estate broker and general contractor that has repaired 30 of these homes. Fortunately, the one home I represented a buyer on had flood insurance because I talked them into it.
Just because it is not flood mapped does not mean it will not flood.
Same thing for avalanche paths in Juneau. You new here?
Anyone who has been in Juneau for any amount of time knows that living near a glacier fed river will have consequences.
Caveat emptor.
You think some maps made by some person in the State or Federal government can exactly outline on a map a flood zone? Come on. Those who know say, “nature bats last”. That means our rules and science mean nothing to nature. Guess the outline of the flood maps will be extended.
Funny how people think that other people are good at predicting natural events. Location location location still rings true.
Then the citizens of Juneau need to respect everyone else and not just their city.
Still all the buildings close to rivers lakes and oceans should know that Mother Nature will dole out whatever she wants so if you build there it’s your mess not everybody’s.
Good luck getting anything resembling common sense out of Juneau’s assembly or CBJ leadership.
I know of several of those with damaged homes now with their hands out who showed their lack of compassion and empathy whilst publicly calling for others to be fined or even imprisoned for disagreeing with or exhibiting non-compliance with the BS Covid mandates that they approved of and demanded that everyone else approve of too. The sentiments of this community were anything but compassionate and empathetic then. And you want me to be now? Sorry. Not forgotten and certainly not forgiven.
Now don’t misunderstand; I am not saying that people shouldn’t be helped by somebody. I took the week off work and gave my time and labor and money to help out. But I CHOSE to do that, and I CHOSE who to do it for. I am not opposed to those in need being helped. But I shouldn’t have to help those I don’t CHOOSE to on my dime.
No one misunderstands. You clearly state they shouldn’t be helped.
Own it.
You did choose… when you voted certain people onto the Assembly. If you didn’t vote then you actually voted anyway… for whoever won.
I think Juneauites tend to be limited in political choices both by a lack of non-left options (see State rep and senate seats running unopposed this election cycle) and when there are less left-leaning campaigners (city assembly from your example) the overwhelming left-voting majority shuts them down. Just because someone swims against the current doesn’t mean they can beat it. The outcome is still the same.
“Such attitudes ignore the reality that most Mendenhall Valley homeowners live in areas that are not within the 100-year flood plain”- Most Juneau homeowners also.
“and were not identified as hazardous flood zones when their homes were built or purchased” – why not? It’s certainly identified as such now.
I expect that the thousands of people who paid to fix their houses after the earthquake in Anchorage a few short years ago are not so pleased about being asked to bail out folks in the path of this flood. As I recall, the city’s response was, “Don’t build on lousy soil next time.” The houses in Juneau in the flood areas should not be inhabited. If Juneau wants to buy them out, more power to them. Spending a small fortune to fight nature is a waste of time and money—not compassion or “community.”
THIS.
Natural perils are just that. If you live in the zone, you may have to pay the price.
The OP seems like a needy one.
Idiots build in a river flood plain. The inevitable floods happen… then they want to be bailed out for the lifestyle they chose. Same, entitled idiots build right on an ocean beach front. Then the inevitable hurricane wipes them out- and federal dollars provided by everyone else comes in to do a bail out. Idiots build homes 9 feet below sea level in New Orleans. A storm floods them… and once again others are asked to bail out poor decisions.
If there is truly 1.5 billion dollars worth of real estate in the flood plain, then they should assess themselves for a hundred million or so to deal with the problem THEY created.
M, the $1.5B is only for residences in the entire Mendenhall Valley. Infrastructure and non-taxed buildings such as the airport, treatment plant, schools roads, bridges, electric, likely add up to another $1.5B for a total of $3.0B. All the property in the valley is actually at risk in the event of a worst-case glacial release which could also threaten lives. The real problem is the magnitude of the outbreaks is quite unpredictable.
Additionally, all the plans for subdivisions and houses were carefully reviewed and approved by the borough planning department. Then, the borough issued individual written permits to build everything. None of it was designated flood areas during that process.
This same drama happened in the 1960s when the Chena River flooded Fairbanks. The Army Corps didn’t waste time building a levee and control dame which has been protecting the city ever since.
Coogan- the Mendenhall River floodway has been designated a floodway for more then 35 years. The people who own land that will flood usually are the first to complain- and put pressure on local government- to allow development of their land. They are then the first to complain when it all goes wrong.
Bailout.
M, the $1.5B is for residences in the entire Mendenhall Valley. Non-taxed infrastructure such as the airport, treatment plant, schools, churches, roads, bridges, electric, likely add up to another $1.5B for a total of $3.0B. All the property in the valley is actually at risk in the event of a worst-case glacial release which would also threaten lives. The real problem is the magnitude of the outbreaks is quite unpredictable.
Additionally, all the plans for subdivisions and houses were carefully reviewed and approved by the borough planning department. Then, the borough issued individual written permits to build everything. None of it was designated flood areas during that process.
This same drama happened in the 1960s when the Chena River flooded Fairbanks. The Army Corps didn’t waste time building a levee and control dam which has been protecting the city ever since.
M, the $1.5B is for residences in the entire Mendenhall Valley. Non-taxed infrastructure such as the airport, treatment plant, schools, churches, roads, bridges, electric, add up to another $1.5B. Therefore, $3B of property in the valley is at risk in the event of a worst-case glacial release which would also threaten lives. The real problem is the magnitude of the outbreaks is quite unpredictable.
Additionally, all plans for subdivisions and houses were carefully reviewed and approved by the borough planning department. Then, the borough issued individual written permits to build everything. None of it was designated flood areas during that process.
This same drama happened in the 1960s when the Chena River flooded Fairbanks. The Army Corps didn’t waste time building a levee and control dam which has been protecting the city ever since.
“The Flood Control Act of 1958 provided authority for this project. When the flood of 1967 sparked a new sense of urgency, Congress reauthorized it by passing the Flood Control Act of 1968, in accordance with recommendations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general.”
If the FEDS want to pay for it, fine. Alaskans and JUNEAU resident should not have to.
People on here talking about flood plains do not realize that many of the homes damaged were far from the river, as much as a mile. They had never flooded before and were not on the most current flood maps as being in hazard areas. Half the homes damaged have been there for over 40 years and never had anything like this happen.
You think some maps made by some person in the State or Federal government can exactly outline on a map a flood zone? Come on. Those who know say, “nature bats last”. That means our rules and science mean nothing to nature. Guess the outline of the flood maps will be extended.
Funny how people think that other people are good at predicting natural events. Location location location still rings true. Funny how some “realtors” do not get it.
Your right look at the lies from the climate freaks we were su post to be under water with no glaciers or polar bears right now.
And these are experts, of course telling us this crap.
I thought the community DID come together and formed a Local Improvement District for the affected properties. Work within that entity & stop wringing your hands in despair.
I thought the community DID come together and formed a Local Improvement District for the affected properties. Work within that entity & stop wringing your hands in despair.
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