Rebuilding Alaska villages after Typhoon Halong

From left: Knik Constructions's Arthur (Gux) Laraux, Seth Asing and Antonio Andrade in Akiak assessing the scope of work needed there.

Almost two months after Typhoon Halong devastated Western Alaska villages, repairs are under way and hope is being restored in communities. Lynden companies were some of the first on the scene and continue their own relief work as well as support of national groups like Team Rubicon. Thanks to Knik Construction, Lynden Air Cargo, Bering Marine, Lynden Logistics and others, Alaska Department of Transportation (ADOT) repairs are taking shape in villages.

In Kipnuk, the electric grid was restored after relief teams received 70 replacement transformers flown in via Lynden Air Cargo charter. "Kipnuk had unique pole-mounted transformers, which were destroyed and very difficult to find in stock," explains Sid Huhndorf, Knik Construction Project Engineer. It wasn't time effective to pursue normal purchasing through Alaska suppliers, so the ADOT reached out to the Alaska Power Association. Matanuska Electric Association had 70 available which were loaded into a Lynden Air Cargo Hercules and delivered the next day.

Lynden has also assisted with other relief efforts coordinated by Team Rubicon. "In the first few weeks Dan Marshall and Lynden Air Cargo were instrumental in helping us move donations to the communities that needed them most," says Thomas Brown of Team Rubicon in Anchorage. "Lynden was an essential partner during the typhoon response. The compassion shown by businesses like Lynden allowed our volunteers to provide crucial items to storm survivors."

Knik Construction's relief projects span multiple communities, each with unique technical challenges, including:

Bethel: Supplied certified drivers and vehicles to support ADOT airlift operations from Bethel Airport to surrounding communities, and managed camp facilities for personnel and contractors.

Kotzebue: Implemented stormwater pollution prevention measures to protect local waterways.

Tuntutuliak: Delivered over 1,300 tons of aggregate by barge to support urgent airport repairs.

Akiak: Graded and shaped damaged barge landing ramps and stabilized vulnerable riverbanks ahead of spring ice breakup.

Chefornak: Repaired and replaced critical boardwalk roads throughout the village.

Napakiak: Repaired washed out road with new aggregate, restoring public access.

Nightmute: Constructed a new landfill trail to support community cleanup efforts. Currently operating and managing a camp for ADOT contractors and personnel.

"Response work is meaningful to all of us and a testament to the values that define our company. We're proud of our team's unwavering dedication and the meaningful difference they've made in the lives of Alaskans," Sid says.

The Knik team replaces critical boardwalk roads throughout the village of Chefornak.