Montana lawmakers are pushing for federal action after severe flooding struck Northwest Montana, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and water systems. U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, along with Representative Ryan Zinke, have formally urged President Trump to approve Governor Greg Gianforte’s request for an emergency declaration.
The request follows intense storms on December 10 and 11 that led to heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt in Lincoln County, Sanders County, and the Blackfeet Tribe’s lands. Rivers in the affected areas reached flood stages between 7.5 and 8.3 feet, overwhelming local infrastructure and creating urgent safety concerns for residents.
Several bridges were rendered impassable, isolating communities and complicating emergency response efforts. The flooding also caused structural damage to the Lower Flower Creek Dam, which disrupted water delivery to the town of Libby. Officials say that emergency measures were necessary to prevent further failure of the dam, highlighting the ongoing risks to public safety and essential services.
According to the letter sent to the president, the water delivered to Libby now contains turbidity levels above safe consumption standards, with elevated metal levels posing additional health risks. Federal assistance is being requested to help prevent a potential “do not consume” order and to ensure that the community has access to safe drinking water.
Lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for financial support to repair damaged roads, bridges, and water infrastructure. Without federal aid, local communities face delays in restoring essential services, potentially prolonging disruptions for residents and businesses in the flood-affected areas.
The proposed emergency declaration would allow Montana to access federal resources, including disaster relief funding and technical support from agencies such as FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These resources could accelerate repair efforts, provide temporary water solutions, and support community recovery.
Senators Daines and Sheehy, along with Representative Zinke, highlighted the severity of the storm’s impact and the urgent need for coordinated action. In their letter, they stressed that immediate federal intervention is essential to prevent further infrastructure collapse and to safeguard public health.
The flooding in Northwest Montana is part of a broader trend of extreme weather events affecting rural communities. Heavy rainfall combined with snowmelt can rapidly overwhelm rivers and dams, leading to flash floods and prolonged damage. Local officials have noted that climate and weather patterns make these events increasingly unpredictable, underscoring the importance of federal preparedness and emergency support.
In addition to water infrastructure concerns, the flood damage disrupted transportation networks. Several key routes in Lincoln and Sanders counties became impassable, delaying the delivery of supplies and complicating emergency response. Bridges and roads will require immediate repair to restore access for residents and critical services.
The Lower Flower Creek Dam remains a focus of concern. While temporary measures have stabilized the structure, officials caution that without additional resources, further damage could occur. Monitoring and repairs are ongoing, and federal funding would help ensure long-term stability and safety.
Residents in the affected areas are being advised to follow local guidance and stay informed about water quality updates. Temporary water delivery systems and alternative supply measures are being coordinated to minimize health risks. Lawmakers hope that swift federal action will provide the support needed to protect communities and restore essential services as quickly as possible.
The request for an emergency declaration reflects the growing recognition of the vulnerabilities faced by rural communities in Montana. By securing federal aid, state and local officials aim to address immediate hazards while strengthening infrastructure to prevent future crises.
As Northwest Montana continues recovery efforts, lawmakers and officials emphasize that timely federal assistance is critical. The emergency declaration would not only provide financial support but also ensure that communities have access to the technical expertise needed to rebuild infrastructure safely and efficiently.
