Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Declaration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lincoln County commissioners declare emergency after heavy rain, snowmelt wash out roads and a bridge
Summary
The Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-35, declaring a county emergency after heavy rainfall and snowmelt washed out a bridge and closed several roads; the declaration activates local emergency funding (2 mills) and state reimbursement processes and the county emergency operations center.
The Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-35 during an emergency meeting, declaring a county state of emergency in response to recent heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt that have caused flooding and infrastructure damage.
The declaration, read and moved into motion by the commissioners and presented by the Chair, cites the county’s emergency operations plan and state law as the legal basis. "An emergency is hereby declared pursuant to Montana Code Annotated section 10-3-402," the Chair said when presenting the resolution; the transcript also includes an earlier reference to "10-3-42," a discrepancy the county did not resolve on the record.
Why it matters: The declaration immediately activates provisions of Lincoln County’s emergency operations plan, unlocks two mills of local emergency funding and allows the county to seek reimbursement from the state for road and bridge damages, officials said. County staff emphasized that responders must document time, fuel, equipment use and take photographs to support reimbursement claims.
Damage and closures: Commissioners and staff reported at least one bridge washed out and multiple road closures, including Granite Cherry, Farm to Market and Libby Fifth Street Extension. A commissioner said the deputy reported a vehicle went into the water and washed downstream but that there was no loss of life or injury.
The vote and next steps: A commissioner moved to approve Resolution 2025-35 and another seconded the motion. The Chair called for public comment and, hearing none, called the vote; commissioners recorded four votes in favor and one opposed, and the Chair said the resolution would be forwarded to Boyd to get to the state, which will trigger additional assistance. The county emergency operations center has been activated; the Chair provided a public contact number for sandbag locations and questions (406-293-6295).
The meeting adjourned after the vote. No public commenters spoke during the session.
