Tester pushes FEMA to prepare resources for Montana communities affected by flooding

Senator highlights Huntley Project irrigation canal damage to federal officials

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester is pushing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to prepare resources for Montana communities affected by widespread flooding–specifically the Huntley Project irrigation canal.

In a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Tester cited the canal as an example of public infrastructure that has been severely damaged by this week’s flooding.

“The Huntley Project damage is just one example of the infrastructure challenges facing Montana during these floods,” Tester wrote.  “It is my understanding that there is potential for more rain and snow in the coming days, which may further heighten threats to public infrastructure statewide.”

Tester serves on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, which oversees FEMA. His letter to FEMA appears below.

May 26, 2011

The Honorable Craig W. Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Administration
500 C St., SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate:

As the State of Montana deals with record ongoing flooding in at least 19 counties and four Indian reservations, I write to make you aware that serious damage to public infrastructure is already occurring.

The Huntley Project irrigation canal is one such element of public infrastructure that has been severely damaged by this week’s flooding.  According to media reports, water overran the dike and the canal and now threatens the irrigation system and the entire town.

In traveling around the state this weekend, I saw first-hand the extent of the damage being done to Montana’s infrastructure.  The Huntley Project damage is just one example of the infrastructure challenges facing Montana during these floods.  It is my understanding that there is potential for more rain and snow in the coming days, which may further heighten threats to public infrastructure statewide.

I appreciate the work that FEMA is already doing on the ground in Montana, and I know that much more work is needed in the coming weeks.   Thank you again for the hard work of you and your staff during this difficult time in Montana.

Sincerely,
(s)
Jon Tester