Disaster declaration unlocks vital aid for flooded Libby

When the full scope of flooding in Northwest Montana came into view last week, Gov. Greg Gianforte quickly turned to the federal government for help.

It didn’t take long for the White House to deliver.

On Dec. 16, Gianforte requested a presidential major disaster declaration for Lincoln and Sanders counties to help with the initial response and rebuilding efforts that will follow. The Trump administration gave its approval just three days later.

Along with the numerous roads and bridges that were washed away, Libby’s drinking water was compromised after one of two dams on Flower Creek was damaged by floodwaters. Residents were still boiling their drinking water as of Friday because of ongoing turbidity problems. Thankfully, tests by the state Department of Environmental Quality did not indicate metals in the water.

Governors typically seek a presidential major disaster declaration when the extent of damage exceeds the ability of a local or state government to respond. Gianforte highlighted that urgency in his letter to President Trump.

“This severe storm event has not only compromised critical infrastructure but has also placed the health and safety of the affected population at serious risk. Immediate federal assistance is essential to stabilize the situation, support recovery efforts and prevent further harm to the community,” the governor wrote.

As Libby residents approach nearly two weeks without potable water, Gianforte made the right move in asking for federal aid. He earned the support of Montana’s congressional delegation, which joined him in calls for FEMA assistance.

Major disaster approval unlocks the federal government’s ability to reimburse governments for initial cleanup efforts such as debris removal — of which there is plenty across the two counties — and, more importantly, long-term projects like rebuilding roads and bridges.

In Libby’s case, it would help fund critical repairs to its water system. The emergency declaration allows up to $5 million in federal funds initially.

Swift approval was vital for Libby’s ability to start recovering, knowing that any work it approves will be backed by federal coffers. Total damage in Lincoln County is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars — well beyond what the county government could withstand alone.

Under an emergency declaration, FEMA covers 75% of recovery costs, with the state picking up the remaining 25%.

“For a lot of the smaller states and smaller jurisdictions, when you get that, ‘Yep, this is a disaster declaration, we’ve got federal money coming,’ it helps you feel better, more confident about spending that money,” David Fogerson, Nevada’s former emergency management chief, told The Associated Press in a report about FEMA assistance.

FEMA also offers individual assistance for people affected by major disasters. Swift approval of Gianforte’s request provides residents facing property damage assurance that the federal government has their back.

Currently, the White House is reviewing FEMA’s role in disaster response. Trump railed against the agency during the 2024 campaign, saying governors should take the lead. Everyone agrees that FEMA can be streamlined and reformed, but gutting the agency may cause more problems than it solves at a time when the toll of natural disasters has reached levels never seen before.

Experts warn that many states are ill-equipped to respond with the necessary resources amid a disaster, and a study by the Carnegie Endowment and Pew Research showed that many states don’t have the rainy-day funds to withstand a long-term recovery.

“Governors should be especially concerned about a plan that pushes cost and responsibility onto the states without a runway to prepare and budget for a dramatically changed funding environment,” the Carnegie Endowment analysis stated.

FEMA reforms should be deliberate, not driven by haste or politics. Small towns like Libby need assurance that emergency assistance is well-planned and readily available when public health and safety are on the line.