Governor Mead Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration

The state of Wyoming is finally starting to see a drop in flood levels across the state. Spring flooding left the state with approximately $4.2 million worth of damage to public infrastructure. With water levels receding  and damages being assessed, Governor Mead has officially requested a Presidential disaster declaration.

The wet Spring weather not only brought flooding to the state but also caused numerous landslides. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, estimated damage to public infrastructure stands at $4.2 million.

That approximation does not include damages to Agriculture, which are being assessed separately. Governor Mead has already asked the U.S. Agriculture Department to declare disasters in Carbon and Albany Counties.

Emergency repair costs to highways alone is estimated at $2.8 million and Governor Mead's office says permanent repairs to highways are expected to be much higher.

Governor Mead praised the help of local, state and federal officials as well as the Wyoming National Guard for their help in flood efforts.

“I credit the Wyoming National Guard, Office of Homeland Security and our local officials who answered the call, came prepared and succeeded in protecting our communities,” Governor Mead said. “These men and women averted a major disaster but, cumulatively, the moisture took its toll and the damages need to be addressed.”

"I am struck by the sheer volume of work these National Guard troops accomplished,” Governor Mead said. “They responded at all hours to literally protect homes. I am also impressed by the response of the communities that worked side by side with our Guard and treated the troops so well.”

The last of the National Guard troops returned home last week. Governor Mead and the First Lady attended an event to thank members of the Guard and staff of the Office of Homeland Security last night.

In regards to qualifying for a Presidential Disaster Declaration Governor Mead also said,

“Wyoming meets the threshold to qualify for a Presidential Disaster Declaration and by being out in front of the potential flooding our efforts paid off and we saved the federal government quite a bit of money."

(The attached photo is from the event Monday night. Governor Mead is framed by Guy Cameron, Director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and Adjutant General Luke Reiner)