Trump approves emergency declaration for Montana storm and flood response

President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for Montana to support response efforts related to severe storms and flooding that began Dec. 10 and are continuing, according to a Federal Emergency Management Agency press release. The declaration authorizes FEMA to coordinate federal disaster relief to address threats to life, property, public health and safety.

According to the release, the declaration applies to Lincoln and Sanders counties and the Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide equipment and resources needed to alleviate emergency impacts. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be funded at 75% federal cost share under the public assistance program. Edwin J. Martin was named federal coordinating officer for response operations. Additional designations may be made if requested by the state following further damage assessments, according to the release.