Thank you, but let’s keep going on flood protections

As someone who lives in the flood zone, I want to thank the City and Borough of Juneau for the work that has gone into preparing our community for this year’s glacial outburst flood. The increased communication, public meetings, and emergency planning have made a noticeable difference. Compared to the last couple of years, I feel much more informed and better prepared if another outburst occurs.

That said, I hope we don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.

Emergency measures are important, but they are not the finish line. The families living with this threat deserve the peace of mind that only a permanent solution can provide. We cannot allow the urgency to fade once this year’s flood season has passed.

Getting there will require continued teamwork. The city has an important role, but so do the State of Alaska, our federal partners and our congressional delegation. They must continue making the case that Juneau’s glacial outburst flooding is not simply an inconvenience it is a public safety issue that puts homes, neighborhoods, and lives at risk. That means keeping this project moving through Congress and securing the funding needed to see it through.

I appreciate how far we’ve come. Now let’s keep the momentum going until a long-term solution is no longer something we talk about, but something we’ve built.

Sandra Edwardson

Juneau