9 Structures Elevation Project for the Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in Tribe, Ft. Yukon
To protect critical community infrastructure in Fort Yukon from increasing flood risks, Drennon Construction completed a design-build project to elevate nine essential structures above the FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain. The project included raising seven residential homes, a preschool facility, and the Fort Yukon Tribal Hall—structures ranging from 600 to over 5,400 square feet—an average of 4.4 feet to achieve a minimum two-foot elevation above the flood protection benchmark of 245 feet MSL. Each structure was engineered and lifted in accordance with ASCE/SEI 24-14 Flood Resistant Design and Construction Standards, ensuring long-term flood resilience and eligibility for federal disaster protection programs.
Located 140 nautical miles north of Fairbanks and accessible only by barge or air, Fort Yukon presented unique logistical challenges requiring precise planning, seasonal coordination, and specialized elevation equipment. As the design-build contractor, Drennon Construction delivered full engineering, permitting, and construction services, including the preparation of FEMA-compliant elevation certificates for each property. This project, funded through a federal-state partnership, strengthens community safety and ensures the long-term preservation of critical infrastructure in an area facing ongoing environmental change. April 2021 – September 2021.
