Daines, Gianforte Push for Funding for Montana Communities

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 -- The office of Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte today sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long to urge the approval of Montana's major disaster declaration request following this year's severe flooding. The declaration will provide federal funding to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts needed to support Montana's communities and economy.

"Montana experienced heavy spring flooding this year that severely impacted communities and infrastructure across our state. Montana's affected communities cannot afford delays in funding and urgently need federal resources to restore their way of life," the letter writes.

To read the full letter click HERE (https://www.daines.senate.gov/download/fema-flood-letter).

Background:

As a result of heavy flooding earlier this year, the State of Montana requested a major disaster declaration on June 18, 2018.

If the request is granted, "Public Assistance," which repairs and replaces disaster-damaged facilities, would be available for the following counties: Blaine, Carbon, Golden Valley, Hill, Liberty, Missoula, Musselshell, Petroleum, Pondera, Powell, Toole, and Valley. "Hazard Mitigation Assistance," which supports efforts for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from future flooding, would be available statewide.

Daines remains committed to ensuring Montana receives critical funding and resources to support communities impacted by flooding.

In May, Daines pressed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen on the need to assist communities in Montana impacted by severe flooding. In July, Daines' bill to extend the National Flood Insurance Program was signed into law.