CAMP DENALI, Alaska --- The Alaska Division of Emergency Services (DES) is taking applications for the emergency disaster assistance program from those persons who fished in the Norton Sound area in 1999 and meet the following criteria:

1. Commercial Salmon Fishing Permit Holder for Norton Sound in 1999.
2. Commercial Salmon Fishing Crew License Holder who worked on a fishing vessel in Norton Sound in 1999 for a commercial salmon fishing permit holder with a permit to fish in Norton Sound in 1999.
3. Cannery Worker/ Processor who worked for a salmon cannery / processing plant in Norton Sound during the 1999 fishing season OR worked for a salmon cannery / processing plant in Norton Sound in 1998 and was unemployed in 1999 due to the disaster.
4. Subsistence User of Norton Sound salmon stocks in 1999 who caught or received less than half the salmon you or your family usually eats because of the low salmon runs AND you are a resident of one of the following communities: Nome, Solomon, Teller, Brevig Mission, Golovin or White Mountain.

Those who wish to apply for the program must call 1-888-388-3473, Monday through Friday, 10am-4pm. The application period ends on October 16, 2000. This is an income-based program. The program is the same as that previously offered for the Western Alaska Fisheries Disaster: Award funds for eligible commercial fishermen may only be used for essential living expenses – food, fuel, water/sanitation, and electricity. Eligible subsistence applicants may use their funds for food or fuel only. The funds are sent directly to the vendors of the applicant’s choosing.

According to officials, the application period opening comes as a result of amended emergency regulations for the disaster. DES expects to receive between 200 and 300 new applications for the program.

In addition, those persons who previously applied for the program may be eligible for supplemental funds. The amended regulations raise the maximum amount offered to eligible applicants. However, those who have already applied do not need to apply again; DES is currently sending letters to all previous applicants who are eligible for the supplemental awards.

www.ak-prepared.com/wafd