BOISE, Idaho — In April of 2024, a major storm system hit three Idaho counties hard. Now, with work needing to be done in these counties, President Biden has approved the State of Idaho's Major Disaster Declaration to help those counties.
Idaho, Lewis and Shoshone counties were hit with a large storm system April 14-15, causing flooding, landslides and mudslides. After a damage assessment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) and local representatives confirmed that the damage done exceeds $6.6 million dollars.
"The approval of the Presidential Disaster Declaration request is a crucial step toward helping the affected areas rebuild and recover from April's severe storm," said Governor Brad Little.
With the approval from President Biden, federal funding such as the Public Assistance (PA) Program will be given to the state, local and tribal governments to assist in repairing and replacing damaged facilities and roads. Certain private non-profit organizations will also be included, on a cost-sharing basis for the emergency work being done.
Additional federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for "hazard mitigation measures statewide, such as the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program," said a news release. This grant program provides funding to government agencies to mitigate future disasters losses in the area.
"The spring flooding wreaked havoc, causing devastating damage in these areas," said IOEM Director Brad Richy. "This funding will be critical for infrastructure repairs. IOEM is committed to working alongside FEMA to support local jurisdictions' recovery efforts and help them rebuild stronger."
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