White House approves disaster declaration for flooded Northwest Montana
Daily Inter Lake | Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 day, 16 hours AGO
The bridge over Farm to Market Road south of Libby washed out early Thursday morning, Dec. 11, 2025, after days of rain and warm temperatures caused extensive flooding in south Lincoln County. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
The Trump administration on Friday approved a presidential emergency declaration to help respond to flooding in Northwest Montana.
On Dec. 16, the governor submitted the request for federal funding to support emergency response costs associated with the flooding that occurred in Lincoln and Sanders counties and the Blackfeet Nation.
White House approval of the emergency declaration allows up to $5 million in federal funds to become available for emergency response measures to support the health and safety of Montanans, according to a media release from the Governor's Office.
In his request, Gianforte cited needed repairs to one the dams on Flower Creek, which supplies the drinking water to Libby. The city has been under a boil advisory for two weeks due to ongoing turbidity issues.
As additional damage assessments are completed, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services will coordinate with the state to request a major disaster declaration, the Governor's Office said.
A major declaration request is required to cover disaster related costs that exceed this initial support.
“Thanks to President Trump’s quick response, Montana is securing the additional resources our communities need to respond to this emergency,” Gianforte said. “While we assess the damage caused to critical infrastructure, this federal support will ensure the continued health and safety of all Montanans affected.”