Federal disaster declared from flooding

The White House Press Office announced that President Joe Biden declared that flooding that occurred in this region from April 10 to April 26 a disaster and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by flooding.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., praised the declaration.

"Significant flooding in northern Montana was devastating to farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, and this disaster declaration will help to make these communities whole," Tester said in a release Tuesday. "Flooding has already done serious damage in Montana, and it's critical that we are prepared the next time disaster strikes. These funds will help to rebuild damaged facilities and reduce risk of future disaster, and I'll work to ensure assistance is distributed swiftly and effectively."

Blaine and Hill counties are covered in the disaster declaration, as are Daniels, Park, Roosevelt, Sheridan, and Valley counties and the Fort Peck Tribes.

The White House release says Jon Huss of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in the named areas.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Watch for more in Thursday and Friday’s edition of Havre Daily News.