JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – Gov. Bill Walker signed an administrative order Thursday directing state agencies to pursue grant funding to help combat opioid abuse in Alaska.

The order directs the state health department to establish an “incident command structure,’’ similar to what is used for natural disasters, to develop plans for addressing the abuse of opioids, such as heroin and prescription painkillers.

It calls for the Department of Public Safety to look for ways to restrict entry of illegal drugs. It also directs the corrections department to develop a program for inmates who are a...