Juneau — The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly took two immediate funding decisions after lengthy briefings from federal and scientific partners: it voted to keep the Phase 1 local improvement district (LID) open for another outburst‑flood season, and by unanimous consent it directed staff to request that NRCS national headquarters waive the EWP program’s typical 25% local match for a potential View Drive buyout.

LID decision

Assembly Member Wall moved to hold the Phase 1 LID open for another outburst‑flood season; the motion carried on roll call, 7–1. Roll call recorded that Miss Wall, Miss Atkinson, Miss Hall, Mister Kelly, Mister Steininger, Deputy Mayor Smith and Madam Mayor voted yes; Mister Brooks voted no. City staff told the assembly the LID legal ceiling is an assessment of up to $6,300 per parcel based on the current project budget estimate ($7.8 million), and that keeping the LID open allows CBJ to refine costs and apply new grant savings or federal assistance before final assessments are recorded.

NRCS waiver request (unanimous consent)

Assembly Member Wall asked for unanimous consent to direct staff to request an NRCS waiver of the 25% local match for the EWP buyout; no member objected. Staff will prepare the waiver request and submit it to NRCS national headquarters and will report back on the decision and any resulting changes to project agreements.

Why it matters

Keeping the LID open preserves flexibility for homeowners and the assembly to incorporate additional federal funding and to finalize project costs after Corps and NRCS planning work is further along. The NRCS waiver, if approved, would substantially reduce the local match burden for a buyout approach but requires national office approval and a written justification demonstrating federal interest.

Evidence: recorded motion, roll call and unanimous‑consent statements in the Committee of the Whole meeting transcript.