Gianforte requests federal drought relief for Northwest Montana

Gov. Greg Gianforte asked the federal government on Tuesday to designate Northwest Montana as a primary natural disaster area due to drought conditions.

The request to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack comes after the Flathead County commissioners asked Gianforte on Monday to make a disaster declaration for Flathead and Lake counties, specifically in regards to the low water level of Flathead Lake.

Gianforte noted that Montana is already in drought disaster status per a prior declaration. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, however, has yet to designate a drought disaster area for any county in Montana, limiting the availability of drought related relief.

“Given time remains of the essence, I have urged Secretary Vilsack to act without delay, “ Gianforte wrote.

Gianforte’s request asks for federal drought declarations in 11 counties, including Flathead, Lincoln, Glacier, Toole, Sanders, Lake, Pondera, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli and Sheridan counties.

As of July 25, Flathead Lake's surface water level was at 2,890.79 feet, nearly 2 feet below the full pool mark. Residents and politicians alike have raised concerns about the economic effect the low water level will have this summer on lake-reliant businesses, as well as agricultural needs.

If the federal drought designation is granted, multiple programs would become available to mitigate the effects, Gianforte said, pointing to the Livestock Forage Program, the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program.

The statewide disaster declaration that Gianforte issued on July 1 compels maximum cooperation with the federal department in collecting information related to drought impacts, Gianforte said.

Members of the Montana delegation are in support of Gianforte’s request.

“Counties across Montana are suffering from the effects of a severe drought, and especially with the start of wildfire season, we must ensure our Montana communities have the aid and resources they need,” Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana said in a statement.

Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, who has been outspoken about taking water from Hungry Horse Reservoir to bring the Flathead Lake level up, also supported the governor’s request.

“Western Montana beyond the Flathead Lake community, Toole and Sheridan counties require immediate relief and are at the mercy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to recognize and designate a drought disaster area,” Zinke said in a statement.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana said the request was the right move to support farmers and ranchers.

“Folks in Northwest Montana are hurting, and it’s critical that the Biden administration steps up to deliver much needed resources for impacted producers and small businesses," Tester said in a statement.

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.