FEMA funds to help some with recovery efforts

HELENA – Federal Emergency Management Agency funding has been made available to the state to support state, tribal and local recovery efforts in Glacier, Liberty, Pondera, Teton and Toole counties affected by a severe winter storm and straight-line winds during April 15-16, Gov. Steve Bullock said Wednesday.

FEMA plans to have representatives in the state over the next several weeks to assist applicants and process claims. Thomas J. McCool has been named as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

On May 12, Bullock requested FEMA evaluate the devastating effects of the storm and affirm the area as a major disaster eligible for a presidential major disaster declaration.

Federal funding is now available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities, officials said.

Montana’s congressional delegation last week urged FEMA to approve Bullock’s funding request for federal resources to help the communities restore their infrastructure and way of life.

“Thanks to strong partnerships at the local, state, and federal level, these communities can get back on their feet and rebuild to become stronger and more sustainable, creating more opportunities for future economic growth and job creation,” Bullock said.

The Stafford Act Declaration allows the federal government to pay 75 percent of eligible repair and emergency work costs to eligible applicants including counties and rural electric co-ops. State and local applicants are responsible for the remaining 25 percent. The state is committed to providing 40 percent of this funding, with the balance as the responsibility of the affected jurisdictions and the rural electric co-ops.

The funding is not intended for individual applicants; it is for damages incurred to public and private nonprofit infrastructure. Funding provided through this federal declaration may be used to cover costs above and beyond insurance payments and city/county mill levies.

The combination of heavy, moisture-laden snow, gusty north winds and intense snowfall during April 15-16 resulted in severe impacts over portions of northcentral Montana. Damage to travel, commerce, roadways and infrastructure occurred.

During its peak, electrical outages left about 21,622 residential and commercial customers without service. Utility companies suffered damage to at least 750 power poles, associated cross arms, distribution lines and pole-mounted transformers, state officials said.

Pondera County suffered several miles of damage to primary and secondary roadways, officials said.