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Lincoln County to apply for state emergency funds after Port Authority flood damage
Summary
Commissioners agreed to apply for Montana Disaster Emergency Services funding on behalf of the Port Authority to repair flood damage to a diversion channel and headwall, with initial damages estimated at about $432,000; county will sponsor the Port Authority for state aid while federal assistance remains pending.
Lincoln County commissioners voted April 1 to apply for state disaster emergency funding on behalf of the Port Authority to repair flood damage identified in December, county and state officials said.
County staff and Port Authority representatives described damage to a water-diversion channel and headwall that supplies a fishing pond and supports local recreation and industry. The Port Authority asked the county to act as the applicant so it can access state emergency appropriations; Montana Disaster Emergency Services (MTDES) staff said certain political subdivisions must be sponsored by their county to be eligible for state funds.
Jake Gu, chief of recovery and mitigation at MTDES, told commissioners the state has appropriations available for identified emergency work and that the county could sponsor the Port Authority to request assistance tied to the Dec. 10-11 flooding event. Gu said preliminary damages documented by Port Authority staff and consultants total about $432,000 for the head wall, channel and engineering/project-management costs, and that the state can cover emergency protective measures while permanent repairs may require additional appropriations or a presidentially declared disaster for federal funding.
A commissioner moved to apply for the state funding on the Port Authority's behalf and the board approved that motion by voice vote. The transcript records the motion and approval but does not provide a roll-call tally of votes.
Residents asked how the scope and progress of repairs will be determined and made visible. MTDES staff said project scopes for public infrastructure are public and that the agency seeks transparency with applicants; county commissioners said they would work with port authority officials and consultants to ensure visible progress and accounting for funds.
MTDES staff noted the county may initially act as a pass-through applicant for state funds and urged the county to proceed with necessary repairs rather than delay while waiting for federal declarations.
