U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, along with Representative Ryan Zinke, have urged President Trump to approve Governor Greg Gianforte’s request for an emergency declaration. In a letter to President Trump, the legislators highlighted the urgent need for federal assistance to address the immediate crisis and financial help for infrastructure repairs.
A severe storm on December 10-11 led to major flooding in Lincoln County, Sanders County and the Blackfeet Tribe’s land due to intense rainfall and snowmelt. Rivers reached flood stages between 7.5 and 8.3 feet, causing significant infrastructure damage.
Multiple bridges became impassable, and the Lower Flower Creek Dam’s failure disrupted water distribution in Libby. The dam’s failure required emergency action to prevent further structural damage. Consequently, the water delivered to Libby now has turbidity levels above safe consumption standards, with elevated metal levels threatening to necessitate a “do not consume” order, according to the letter.
