Federal Relief Sought After Storm Damage

U.S. Sens. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Jon Tester, D-Mont, along with U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale are calling for President Biden to support Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte’s request for a major disaster declaration after a severe windstorm left thousands of northeastern Montanans without power.

The request impacts residents in Roosevelt, Richland, McCone, Garfield and Dawson counties. The letter to Biden noted that the three days of severe weather culminated on July 10, with supercell thunderstorms that featured measured winds of up to 90 miles per hour. More than 900 poles were damaged that led to thousands of Montanans being without power for up to two weeks.

The letter includes, “The damage done to transmission and distribution lines essential to everyday life for Montana families, farmers and ranchers, and businesses is far beyond what the state or consumer- members of our local electric cooperatives can alleviate. Noting the sheer number of disasters Montana has experienced over the last few years, including, at present, a severe drought and wildfire season, federal assistance is essential.”