Tester, Walsh & Daines Secure Disaster Assistance for Montana

Press Release

Senators Jon Tester, John Walsh and Congressman Steve Daines announced today that FEMA has responded to their call to quickly provide federal disaster assistance to Montanans affected by widespread flooding.

In response to Tester, Walsh, and Daines' April 14, 2014 letter to President Obama, FEMA today issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Montana. Today's announcement triggers the release of federal disaster funds to help rebuild and repair infrastructure damaged or destroyed by flooding in 15 Montana counties.

"Montanans band together when disaster strikes and the recent flooding across our state is no exception," Tester said. "This assistance will provide folks with much-needed help, and it's time to get those resources on the ground as quickly as possible."

"This is critical assistance that will help Montana's communities rebuild damaged roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure," Walsh said. "I'll keep the pressure on to make sure the communities affected by the flooding have the resources they need while also working with local, state, and federal officials to ensure that we are fully prepared for any additional flooding this spring."
"This declaration is welcome news for communities across Montana that have been impacted by this spring's flooding," Daines said. "I'm glad that the Administration has responded to our request and is quickly acting to ensure Montana counties receive much-needed assistance and support for critical flood recovery efforts."

In March, Governor Steve Bullock declared a statewide flood emergency and requested federal disaster assistance to help mitigate the damages. In their letter to the President, Tester, Walsh and Daines supported Bullock's request and asked the administration to provide financial assistance.

The major disaster declaration covers federal emergency assistance for Broadwater, Dawson, Golden Valley, Jefferson, Lake, Musselshell, Park, Pondera, Prairie, Ravalli, Richland, Rosebud, Sanders, Stillwater, and Wheatland counties.

"We estimate that the amount needed to address the urgent and ongoing needs of the flooded areas will far exceed the ability of our state and local governments to pay for such damages," the delegation wrote. "Montana families and small businesses cannot afford a long government turnaround time. They need help now. We ask that you approve Governor Bullock's request as soon as possible and provide local communities the resources they so desperately need."

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