News Release
Governor Signs Executive Order to Assist Cities, Towns & Counties with Extraordinary Winter Storm Costs
4/6/2004
Kris Goss
406-444-3862
kgoss@state.mt.us
Extraordinary Winter Storm Costs
Helena - Governor Martz signed an Executive Order today providing financial
assistance to jurisdictions incurring excessive costs during this past
winter's extensive snowstorms. Late December through February brought
record snows to several parts of Montana hitting many areas of the
northeastern part of the state particularly hard.
These storms stranded holiday travelers, isolated local residents, and
created an immediate threat to life and property. The costs of snow
plowing and snow removal exceeded financial capabilities of many jurisdictions and impacted their yearly budgets.
"Responding to winter snow storms in Montana is typically routine," said
Governor Martz. "This was an extraordinary season and these local
jurisdictions incurred extraordinary costs. Our responsibility is to
help local governments when we can."
All available city and county equipment and personnel were committed in
the snowplowing and snow removal efforts. Fuel costs alone were a major
impact to the local budgets.
The Executive Order will provide reimbursement for overtime, temporary
hires, equipment rental, and fuel costs associated with snow plowing
and/or removal activities.
According to Jim Anderson, disaster recovery manager for Disaster and
Emergency Services, the expenses were too great for local budgets to
absorb.
"Our role as a state agency is to evaluate the impact to the effected
jurisdiction and document the costs that are eligible for
reimbursement."
Included in this Executive Order: Daniels, Garfield, Richland,
Roosevelt and Sheridan Counties and the Cities or Towns of Culbertson, Flaxville, Fort Peck, Froid, Glasgow, Jordan, Medicine Lake, Nashua, Opheim, Scobey, Sidney, and Wolf Point.
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