President declares Montana disaster after flooding

HELENA — The president has signed a disaster declaration for Montana over damage caused by widespread flooding and ice jams early last month.

President Barack Obama signed the declaration Thursday that makes federal funding available on a cost-sharing basis to state and eligible local governments and some private, nonprofit organizations for repair or replacement of facilities damaged by recent flooding. The counties affected are: Broadwater, Dawson, Golden Valley, Jefferson, Lake, Musselshell, Park, Pondera, Prairie, Ravalli, Richland, Rosebud, Sanders, Stillwater, and Wheatland.

The declaration also makes federal funding available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.