President Signs Disaster Declaration for Utah

Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., recently received confirmation that President Bush formally signed the Declaration for Disaster for Public Assistance for Beaver, Box Elder, Iron, Kane, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah, and Wasatch Counties; and the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. The disaster declaration covers damage to public infrastructure that occurred as a result of flooding and landslides between April 28, 2005 and June 29, 2005.

“Our request for assistance was extraordinary in that it encompassed a period of two months,” said Gov. Huntsman. “We appreciate the consideration that President Bush and FEMA granted in their approval of this disaster declaration.”

The presidential declaration releases federal money to help pay for repair of flood and landslide-damaged infrastructure not already covered by insurance or other federal agencies. FEMA covers 75 percent of the eligible costs to repair public infrastructure.

In addition, the declaration also provides hazard mitigation assistance, which allows the state to take actions to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from future natural hazards.