Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

The Chilkoot Indian Association (CIA) began accepting applications last week for a disaster relief program targeting homeowners with damage from the December natural disaster. The program, which is funded by $900,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will accept applications until June 1.

The program is open to all Chilkat Valley residents. CIA tribal administrator Harriet Brouillette recommends homeowners turn in applications as soon as possible.

“It seems like a lot money, but the reality is it’s not. So many people have come in asking for assistance. We’re trying to figure out how much to spend on each home,” Brouillette said.

Funding priorities will be health and safety, as well as property access, she said. As of Wednesday, the tribe had received 40 applications.

Brouillette said based on applications received and damage estimates from the Haines Long-Term Recovery Group, the tribe anticipates each applicant will receive roughly $15,000 worth of assistance, although the amount will vary depending on need.

Instead of direct cash payments, CIA will send its in-house crew to perform the repairs. Brouillette said keeping it in-house allows the tribe to make the dollars go further. In most cases, the tribe will not be able to reimburse for work that’s already been done.

CIA will send staff to homeowner’s properties to verify damage and conduct a requisite environmental review to make sure repairs won’t negatively impact the land, before beginning repair work.

Applications are available on the CIA website, Facebook page or in-person at the CIA office.

Brouillette said the tribe is also slated to receive Federal Highway Administration funding to help with road repairs. The funding has yet to come through as officials wanted to wait until the snow melted before conducting a damage assessment, she said.