Gov. Greg Gianforte announced that President Donald J. Trump has approved Montana’s request for a presidential emergency declaration to help the state respond to severe flooding in northwestern Montana.
“Thanks to President Trump’s quick response, Montana is securing the additional resources our communities need to respond to this emergency,” Gianforte said in a statement. “While we assess the damage caused to critical infrastructure, this federal support will ensure the continued health and safety of all Montanans affected.”
The governor submitted the request on Dec. 16, seeking federal assistance to cover emergency response costs tied to flooding in Lincoln and Sanders counties and on the Blackfeet Nation.
The flooding began after a prolonged atmospheric river event that started Dec. 8. Sustained rainfall combined with unseasonably warm temperatures caused rivers and streams to swell, leading to widespread flooding across the region.
According to the governor’s office, the extreme conditions resulted in significant infrastructure damage, including the failure of the Lower Flower Creek Dam and damage to multiple roads and bridges.
Approval of the emergency declaration makes federal funds available for immediate response measures aimed at protecting public health and safety. State officials said Montana Disaster and Emergency Services will continue to assess damage across affected areas.
As those assessments are completed, the state may seek a presidential major disaster declaration, which would be required to unlock additional federal assistance to cover longer-term recovery and repair costs that exceed the scope of the current emergency declaration.