News Releases
For Immediate Release - August 30, 2000
Contact:
Anastasia Burton / Governor's Office
(406) 444-5523
Rorie Hanrahan / DES
(406) 841-3171
(HELENA) Governor Marc Racicot today received word from President Clinton that Montana's request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration was approved. The request for federal disaster assistance for individuals, agricultural producers, and businesses impacted by this year's severe wildfires was made only yesterday.
Governor Racicot said, "I am extremely pleased with and appreciative of the federal agencies involved, particularly FEMA, for their efficiency in delivering our request to the President. We are very grateful to President Clinton for responding favorably and so quickly. We are glad to know that help is on the way for so many Montanans who have lost so much and continue to suffer from this catastrophe, the likes of which have never been seen before in our lifetime." Governor Racicot also thanked Montana's Congressional delegation for their work to seek aid for Montanans effected by the wildfires.
The Presidential Disaster Declaration provides assistance in the form of grants and low-interest loans to individuals, agricultural producers, and other business owners affected by the wildfires.
The programs are a basic safety net to help people begin the recovery process. Eligible areas to date include: Lincoln, Flathead, Sanders, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Granite, Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, Lewis & Clark, Meagher, Broadwater, Jefferson, Beaverhead, Madison, Park, Gallatin, Wheatland, Judith Basin, Cascade, Sweet Grass, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, Carbon, Stillwater, the Flathead Indian Reservation, and Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
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