U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the State of Montana’s major disaster declaration request following this year’s severe flooding. The announcement comes after Daines and Gianforte sent a letter to the Administration in support of the declaration request.
“This is great news. I’m pleased the Administration respond to our request,” Daines said. “This year’s flooding devastated communities and infrastructure across our state. This funding will help expedite cleanup and recovery efforts and will help restore the way of life for some of Montana’s most impacted communities.”
“The Trump administration’s response to our request will provide our communities with resources they need to recover and rebuild from this year’s flooding,” Gianforte said. “The administration’s decision is welcome news to our impacted communities.”
The funding will provide federal funding to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts needed to support Montana’s communities and economy.
Background:
As a result of heavy flooding earlier this year, the State of Montana requested a major disaster declaration on June 18, 2018.
If the request is granted, “Public Assistance,” which repairs and replaces disaster-damaged facilities, would be available for the following counties: Blaine, Carbon, Golden Valley, Hill, Liberty, Missoula, Musselshell, Petroleum, Pondera, Powell, Toole, and Valley. “Hazard Mitigation Assistance,” which supports efforts for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from future flooding, would be available statewide.
Daines and Gianforte remain committed to ensuring Montana receives critical funding and resources to support communities impacted by flooding.
On August 22, Daines discussed the impacts of flooding with FEMA Deputy Administrator nominee Peter Gaynor at a Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee hearing.
On August 14, Daines and Gianforte sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Brock Long to urge the approval of Montana’s major disaster declaration request.
In May, Daines pressed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen on the need to assist communities in Montana impacted by severe flooding. In July, Daines’ bill to extend the National Flood Insurance Program was signed into law.
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