University of Alaska Hi Res "In the summer of 1967, one of the worst disasters in the history of Alaska struck the Fairbanks area. Unusually heavy rains swelled the Chena and Little Chena rivers six feet above their flood stage. Water poured into downtown Fairbanks and the outlying regions, driving residents to their rooftops and eventually displacing nearly 7,000 people from their homes. Roads, bridges, and railroads washed away, isolating Fairbanks and hindering rescue efforts. Damage estimates totalled more than $80 million. The extensive destruction helped inspire Congress to pass a national flood insurance program. To prevent a disaster of this magnitude from occurring again, the Alaska District proposed the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project. Its primary purpose was to protect Fairbanks and Fort Wainwright from high waters." Source: US Army Corps of Engineers Alaska's Digital Archives

Kingdon R. Hawes (Webmaster) Return