Bush Approves Disaster Aid for North Idaho

President Bush approved a disaster declaration for areas in northern Idaho ravaged by flooding this spring.

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter announced the approval of the declaration Aug. 1 that covers Kootenai and Shoshone counties. Damage estimates exceeded $1.84 million.

Under federal rules, the state is now eligible for federal assistance to reimburse the costs of repairing roads, water control systems, parks and recreation facilities.

The aid program will be handled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security.

The floods came during spring runoff when rivers and lakes swelled and spilled over banks thanks to above average snowfall and mountain snowpack.