February 5, 2009

State Agencies Respond to Lower Yukon River Villages

Palin also rips Ramras in State of Alaska press release

Governor Sarah Palin today lauded the work of the multiple state agencies, nonprofits and faith-based organizations that have worked in a cooperative effort to deliver supplies to Lower Yukon River communities affected by high fuel and food prices.

The governor also expressed concern about inaccurate comments made to the media by Representative Jay Ramras that the state has failed to make state assets available to deliver supplies to communities. In actuality, state agencies have used aircraft from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to fly food into Kotlik, another distressed Lower Yukon River village. DPS plans on providing additional transportation of bulk foods in the future.

"We are working cooperatively with the communities, many legislators, Native corporations, and other entities to address the needs in these areas," Governor Palin said. "I am disappointed that Representative Ramras failed to express his concerns to my office before issuing a press release with incomplete and misleading information. This is particularly concerning since he knew I would be attending a meeting with his entire caucus that evening. Representative Ramras did not mention the specific issue of using state assets to me personally at the meeting. Instead, I read about it later in the press release. Truly Alaskans deserve better than that kind of 'politics as usual'. It is unfortunate that the representative sees this as an opportunity to play politics rather than help in the response."

The Departments of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Health and Social Services, Education and Early Development, Fish and Game and Public Safety and other organizations are continuing to work jointly to ensure residents living in the affected areas have access to all state assistance programs that are available.

From a State of Alaska press release