Bullock requests disaster declaration for Blaine County

Gov. Steve Bullock has asked the United States Department of Agriculture to designate Blaine County a disaster area because of damage caused by the July 4 hail storm.

If Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack grants the request, Blaine County farmers will be eligible for low-interest loans and grants to help alleviate their problems.

Bullock noted in his letter that a severe hail storm on July 4 which produced golf ball sized hail damaged crops, native range, equipment and farm structures.

Farmers throughout the area reported serious crop damage as a result of the thunder, lightning and heavy winds in addition to the hail.

There was no indication how quickly the USDA would act on the governor's request.

Bullock’s spokesman Mike Wessler said Thursday the governor acted on the request of Blaine County Commissioners.

He said that Hill County Commissioners filed no request in the wake of the July 4 storm, he said.

Hill commissioners did ask for a disaster designation Thursday due to drought conditions, he said. The governor’s office is processing that request, he said.