Baucus: Why the delay FEMA?

Montana's senior senator is calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to step up its action on whether Montana private property and business owners can apply for assistance to repair damage from this year's flooding.

"All across Montana, businesses, farms and ranches are struggling to recover from flood damage, and families are living without running water in their homes — or worse, no homes at all, " Baucus said in a release Tuesday. "These folks simply can't afford to wait any longer, and they shouldn't have to. It's time for FEMA to wrap up the paperwork in Washington and get to work in Montana. "

Gov. Brian Schweitzer sent a request July 13 for the state to be assessed for individual assistance. A FEMA official said this morning the request still is being processed.

President Barack Obama declared a federal disaster in the state June 17 for flooding that occurred starting in April, but the federal assistance only will apply to public infrastructure.

An individual assistance declaration would allow private property and business owners to apply for assistance as well.

According to the release, Baucus sent a letter urging Obama to quickly approve individual assistance immediately following the state's request, nearly two weeks ago. Baucus also identified several additional programs that can be made available to Montanans and is pressing federal agencies to make those programs known and available to Montanans immediately.

In his letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Baucus wrote that thousands of Montanans continue to struggle to recover from the floods. Those people are waiting for help and assistance, he wrote.

"Montana has waited long enough, " Baucus wrote. "Please take immediate action to see that the State of Montana's request is processed and approved without further delay. "