Residents of Delta Junction are facing an unprecedented challenge as the local ambulance service, Delta Medical Transport, prepares to shut down within a month. This development means that emergency medical transportation will no longer be readily available, forcing residents to travel over 100 miles to the nearest hospital in Fairbanks. The closure comes after years of operation under contract with the city, primarily funded by federal relief money during the pandemic. With these funds now exhausted and no viable alternative funding source in sight, the company's owner has decided to dissolve the service. Community reactions have been mixed, ranging from calls for alternative solutions to concerns about public safety.

The impending closure of Delta Medical Transport stems from a complex set of circumstances. For over a decade, the company has operated under contract with the City of Delta Junction, providing crucial emergency medical services. In recent years, much of this funding came from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), part of the federal government’s response to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as ARPA funds dried up, the city found itself unable to sustain the financial support needed to keep the service running. The company's owner, Amber White, highlighted the community's reluctance to explore sustainable funding options, such as taxes or fees, which she felt were necessary to maintain the service. White also mentioned that harassment from some community members played a role in her decision to close the business.

At a recent city council meeting, Mayor Igor Zaremba addressed accusations that he might be using the situation to push for tax increases or borough formation. He firmly denied these claims, stating that his stance has always been against both. Meanwhile, residents like Sherman Stebbins suggested exploring less expensive alternatives, such as partnering with nonprofit organizations or forming a volunteer EMS department. Others, including John Lyons, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining local emergency services, recounting personal experiences where the ambulance service had been life-saving. The community is now racing against time to find a solution before the service officially dissolves on February 21st.

As the deadline looms, the Delta Junction Community Action Committee plans to hold a public meeting on January 28th to discuss potential solutions. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, with many residents fearing the impact on public safety and the broader community. While opinions vary on how to address the issue, there is a shared recognition of the vital role that emergency medical services play in ensuring the well-being of the town's inhabitants. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a new arrangement can be put in place to fill the void left by Delta Medical Transport's closure.