Montana Storms Unlikely To Receive FEMA Aid

A preliminary assessment of storm damage to public structures in Montana’s Valley and Musselshell counties and on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation came to about $226,600, which is not enough to qualify for federal aid.

The assessment was completed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Montana Disaster and Emergency Services staff.

The DES announced that the total does not meet the threshold for FEMA assistance.

Recent flooding and other severe weather in the state caused destruction and disrupted lives, DES Administrator Dan McGowan said in a news release.

“Fortunately, most of the losses will be covered through insurance,” he said. “Some families and businesses, however, were either uninsured or underinsured. In an effort to help them, we will continue to work with volunteer and other state and federal agencies through an unmet needs committee to see if additional help may be available.”

The preliminary assessment included $7,500 in damages on the Fort Peck Reservation, before an insurance settlement, and $219,125 in damages in Valley County, DES said.

The Valley County total included $134,000 in damages in Glasgow and $8,000 in damages in Nashua.

The threshold for the state of Montana to receive FEMA assistance is $1 million.

DES officials and area leaders will meet next week to determine if a request for a state disaster declaration will be sent to Gov. Brian Schweitzer. Federal, state, local and tribal leaders briefed Lt. Gov. John Bollinger.

Schweitzer has signed an executive order that allows the state to provide assistance in Valley and Musselshell counties.