HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today requested President Joe Biden issue a presidential major disaster declaration due to flooding in Montana that occurred in May.

The governor’s request is for the counties of Blaine, Chouteau, Fergus, Hill, Judith Basin, Petroleum, Pondera, Teton, Toole, and Wheatland along with the Rocky Boy and Fort Belknap Reservations.

“In early May, a strong slow-moving low-pressure system moved into the Great Basin,” Gov. Gianforte wrote in a letter to Pres. Biden. “This system intensified tapping into a layer of Pacific moisture. During this period the storm moved slowly over northeast Montana, with deep moisture continuing to pivot around the low-pressure point. This produced heavy precipitation across central Montana. Late spring storms produce large amounts of wet snow especially at high elevations with rain at lower elevations accompanied by gusty winds. This storm, however, was special in its intensity and longevity.”

In addition to outlining the conditions which triggered the disaster, the governor’s request highlights the known impacts of the disaster on Montana communities.

“Public infrastructure including rural roads, culverts, retaining walls, and electric infrastructure sustained damages from this multi-hazard incident. While some repairs have already been completed, there are several areas that endured complex extensive damages that will require time, funding, and engineering support to bring back to pre-disaster condition,” the governor wrote.

The governor’s request to President Biden may be viewed here.