Tester, Baucus secure disaster relief for Montana

Senators announce FEMA funding to help Montanans recover from devastating floods

(U.S. SENATE) – Montana’s U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus announced today FEMA has responded their calls to quickly provide federal disaster assistance to Montanans affected by historic flooding in May and June.

In response to Tester and Baucus’ July 2, 2013 letter to FEMA, President Obama 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 12 Montana counties and three Indian Reservations.

“Lending a hand in times of need is not just a Montana tradition, it’s an American one as well,” Tester said. “These resources will help Montana communities rebuild the roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure we need so Montana comes back stronger than ever.”

“While we still have a long way to go, this news will jump start efforts to help Montana families and businesses rebuild. We’ll keep the pressure on so that communities devastated by flooding have the resources they need to rebuild roads, bridges and vital water systems so communities can get back on their feet,” said Baucus.

Baucus and Tester highlighted the severity and widespread nature of the damage caused by spring storms. Damage to road systems in the twelve counties is estimated at $2.8 million. Additionally, the drinking water system’s intake at the Fort Peck Reservation has failed because of flood water, and Rocky Boy’s Reservation has lost access to potable water because of damage to a section of a water line.

The major disaster declaration covers federal emergency assistance for Blaine, Chouteau, Custer, Dawson, Fergus, Garfield, Hill, McCone, Musselshell, Petroleum, Rosebud, and Valley Counties, as well as Rocky Boy’s, Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Indian Reservations.