Governor Matt Mead has asked President Obama for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance in response to flooding in Johnson and Niobrara Counties that began on May 24, 2015 and continued through June 6, 2015.

If granted, such a declaration triggers federal assistance for homeowners and small businesses.

Governor Mead signed an Executive Order on June 5, 2015 declaring a State of Emergency in response to flooding. This order activated the Wyoming National Guard which deployed Guard personnel to the affected areas.

“I thank the Wyoming National Guard, Office of Homeland Security, local officials and members of the communities who answered the call,” Governor Mead said. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families impacted, and we are most grateful for all those who stepped in to help – if not for their efforts, this situation could have been much worse.”

Floods and other severe weather destroyed at least 14 homes and many more suffered damage.

Roadways closed, washouts occurred and evacuations took place.

The Governor’s Declaration Request also asks for Small Business Administration disaster loans to aid the businesses and non-profit organizations that saw major damage.

FEMA and the State of Wyoming will conduct preliminary damage assessments of severe weather-related impacts on public infrastructure and the costs of emergency measures midweek.

 

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