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GOVERNOR MARTZ REQUESTS PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATIONFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Helena, MT - July 3, 2001 -- Early June snow storms caused over $1 million in damages across the state and prompted Governor Martz to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration. The request, dated June 29, 2001 is currently awaiting President Bush's signature and, if approved, will allow federal funds to become available for the extensive recovery efforts caused by the storms. The unseasonable weather events, which began June 3rd and ended June 14th brought heavy, wet snows to our state, hitting Gallatin, Missoula, and Powell counties particularly hard. These snows inundated newly leaved and budding trees, causing extensive damage to not only the trees, but also the power lines upon which they fell. The resulting damages, loss of power, road closures, and consequent debris removal costs amounted to a preliminary damage estimate of over $1 million. To lessen the burden of recovery costs, the signing of this request will make supplementary federal assistance available. Governor Martz recounts, "Every county in our state has been hit by disaster this year, some have been hit by more than one. I am making this request to help offset the financial burden that results in the recovery process." This past year, Montana persevered through an unprecedented fire season resulting in six fire suppression declarations and one presidential declaration. In addition, there have been two presidential declarations for severe snowstorms in both eastern and southeastern Montana, and a natural disaster determination from the Secretary of Agriculture due to drought conditions. These disasters have seriously depleted the Governor's Disaster Fund. Jim Greene, Disaster and Emergency Services administrator and designated state coordinating officer stated "We are utilizing every available avenue to assist our counties with recovery costs." # # # |
