Floods Close Alaska Highway, Rail Line

Flooding and mud slides brought on by heavy rain closed the main highway and rail line Saturday between Anchorage and Fairbanks, the state’s two largest cities. A home and a cabin were destroyed in the flooding, while more than 100 houses were damaged. Gov. Frank Murkowski was briefed on the damage Saturday during a visit to Wasilla, about 40 miles north of Anchorage. He had earlier issued a disaster declaration, allowing state funds to be used for recovery.