News Releases
For Immediate Release - August 29, 2000
Contact:
Anastasia Burton / Governor's Office
(406) 444-5523
Rorie Hanrahan / DES
(406) 841-3171
HELENA - Governor Marc Racicot today signed a request for federal disaster assistance for individuals, agricultural producers, and businesses impacted by this year's severe wildfires. The request was forwarded today to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review. The Governor's request, which he asked to be expedited, will be forwarded from FEMA to President Clinton for approval.
"We are exploring every possible avenue of assistance that we can find for Montanans who have been placed in harm's way by this year's wildfires," said Governor Racicot. "We will continue to work diligently to bring aid to our neighbors as quickly as possible."
Possible areas of assistance may include grants and low-interest loans to individuals, agricultural producers, and other business owners affected by the wildfires.
"Disaster programs won't make people whole for their underinsured or uninsured personal or business losses. The programs are a basic safety net to help people begin the recovery process," said Jim Greene, administrator of State Disaster and Emergency Services. If the request is approved, information and assistance will be available to help Montanans register for disaster assistance programs, each which have eligibility requirements.
Eligible areas to date mentioned in today's request include: Lincoln, Flathead, Sanders, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Granite, Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, Lewis & Clark, Meagher, Broadwater, Jefferson, Beaverhead, Madison, Park, Gallatin, and the Flathead Indian Reservation.
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