UPDATED: FEMA approves disaster assistance for damages from Missoula-area windstorm

UPDATE: On Aug. 23, 2024, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to supplement recovery efforts in areas affected by straight-line winds that occurred in and around Missoula on July 24, 2024.

MISSOULA — Gov. Greg Gianforte this week requested that President Joe Biden declare a disaster for Missoula’s late July windstorm that caused widespread damage and left thousands without power. 

The request, which includes Missoula and Powell counties, makes way for federal relief to help pay for the estimated $3.8 million in damages and cleanup, according to Gianforte’s letter to Biden. 

“The recovery resources and staffing capacity these counties have access to are limited,” the governor wrote. “The damages this event incurred to trees and electrical systems are extensive, putting a financial burden on the communities and electrical co-ops.” 

On July 24, the thunderstorms that blew through the Missoula area included wind gusts of 109 mph on Mount Sentinel, 81 mph at the Missoula Airport and an estimated 90-100 mph winds throughout the city, according to the letter. The storms damaged power lines — leaving more than 70,000 homes and businesses without power on July 25 — and knocked down thousands of trees, Gianforte wrote. 

The estimated cost is expected to increase as damages to the University of Montana’s research facilities are included and debris collection continues, according to the letter. 

Missoula County and city officials declared a state of emergency on July 25, and Gianforte issued a disaster declaration for Missoula and Mineral counties the following day. The declarations made more money available, but costs have exceeded local and state funds, Gianforte wrote. 

Federal funding is necessary to pay for the rising cost of storm recovery, Nick Holloway, Missoula County deputy disaster and emergency services coordinator, told Montana Free Press. 

“Cities and counties and government jurisdictions usually budget for unanticipated costs and expenses, but they don’t budget for disasters because they know if a disaster reaches a certain threshold, they will seek funding elsewhere,” he said. “They just don’t have the ability to put an extra $2.5 to $3.5 million aside to cover something that may not occur.” 

Local governments will pay 25% of the total cost, with the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) covering the other 75%, Holloway said. Volunteer hours can be factored into the local match to help offset some of the cost, he said. 

The money will help pay for staff time, contractors, equipment and supplies for debris collection, removing hanging branches and grinding up and chipping the wood, Holloway said.  

Removing debris from city streets and private property is going quicker than expected because many residents dropped off debris at Garden City Compost or temporary drop sites, taking the burden off the city to pick it up, Holloway said. Next, the city will contract with companies to grind and chip the wood, which may take a little longer, he said.  

The city’s urban forestry division estimates 75% of Missoula’s approximately 40,000 trees are damaged, Holloway said. That includes trees on public right-of-way and private property, although the city will only receive reimbursement for damage to public trees, he said. It’s unclear if replanting trees in public spaces will be covered by federal funding, Holloway said. 

Residents dropping off debris are asked to not mix in trash, leaves or lawn clippings. Sorting out garbage takes staff time not eligible for federal funding, Holloway said. More information on debris collection is available at missoula.co/storm. 

In-depth, independent reporting on the stories impacting your community from reporters who know your town.