Governor Declares State Disaster

FOR THE COURIER

Gov. Steve Bullock declared a disaster for areas in central and eastern Montana after severe storms and heavy rains hit the area from August 21 through August 24. This will allow Bullock to mobilize state resources and the Montana National Guard, as well as expend funds to meet the contingencies and needs that may arise from the emergency.

 “With the severity and intensity of the storms we saw last week and the damage that resulted, it is important that the state provide relief to those jurisdictions that need our assistance,” Bullock said.

 The declaration comes as a result of a microburst that recorded winds in excess of 75 mph on August 21 in Ekalaka, with debris from fallen or damaged trees causing significant damage to property there. Meanwhile, rainfall in excess of seven inches in a short period of time across central and north-central Montana caused the Milk and Musselshell Rivers and tributaries to rapidly rise above major flood stage, damaging culverts, roadways and stock reservoirs.

 The governor’s declaration covers the counties of Valley, Petroleum, Musselshell, the Town of Ekalaka and the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.