Senate frees $415,123 in disaster relief funds for Weber County flood repairs

The Utah Senate approved Senate Bill 5 to release approximately $415,123.67 from a non‑lapsing disaster relief fund established in a prior special session to help repair public infrastructure damaged by flooding in the North Ogden/Harrisville area.

Senator Story, the bill sponsor, described the event as a sudden cloudburst that caused localized flooding and debris flows and said the money is intended for public work — streets, curbs, gutters, irrigation canals and hazard mitigation — not private homeowner repairs. The bill directs the disaster relief board to grant up to 50% of repair costs to political subdivisions; grants in excess of 50% may be approved only on demonstration of extreme financial hardship. Senator Story also noted that documented volunteer work or donated equipment might be credited as matching contributions under an administrative agreement.

Story said some private homeowners and businesses had pursued loans (for example through the Small Business Administration), but those funds are separate from the disaster relief board money. He said the governor supported the bill and that applications were already being processed in the affected communities.

On roll call the Senate approved the bill under suspension of rules; the recorded vote was 22 ayes, 0 nays, 7 absent. The measure was to be sent to the House for its action.

What it does: Releases a specific non‑lapsing balance in the disaster relief fund to enable grants to public entities for emergency repairs and hazard mitigation in the flood-affected area; requires municipal matching and allows the board to consider documented volunteer work as match in some cases.

Next step: The bill will be transmitted to the House for its consideration and, if approved, will authorize the disaster relief board to distribute the funds to eligible public entities.