News

Actions

Gov. Bullock extends statewide flooding disaster declaration

Posted at 11:55 AM, May 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-24 13:55:01-04

HELENA – Gov. Steve Bullock extended two prior emergency declarations by issuing an executive order for a statewide flooding disaster in Montana to allow ongoing response efforts to continue.

“We will continue to pursue available state and federal resources to support ongoing efforts and recovery needs,” Gov. Bullock said earlier this week. "I applaud the brave volunteers and emergency services teams who are working around the clock to support their neighbors and keep Montanans safe during these challenging times.”

Gov. Bullock declared a statewide flooding emergency on May 1 and under Montana statute, emergency declarations expire after 20 days. Given the severity of the situation, Gov. Bullock issued a disaster declaration. 

The governor initially declared a state of emergency on April 12 in seven counties, one reservation and one town due to flooding along the Hi-Line and Eastern Montana.

Flood conditions have worsened in many locations since the statewide emergency declaration with high water either underway or forecast for the western two-thirds of Montana. Gov. Bullock noted in a news release that flooding will likely continue or worsen in western and central Montana.