Gianforte declares disaster from early May flooding

Governor Greg Gianforte issued an executive order Saturday declaring a statewide disaster in response to flooding in northern and central Montana.

The flooding occurred after heavy rainfall including a record-setting amount of 2.59 inches in Havre May 7.

Hill County Commission declared an emergency, although it did not declare a disaster at that time.

“Runoff from recent heavy rain and snow has compromised critical electrical infrastructure and roads and bridges in Montana,” Gianforte said Saturday in a release. “This order will help impacted communities get back on their feet and protect the...