MISSOULA — Missoula officials provided an update Friday afternoon on the steps they are taking following Wednesday night's storm that left thousands without power and downed trees across the city.
Missoula County Commission Chairman Dave Strohmeyer and Mayor Andrea Davis verbally declared a state of emergency Thursday morning and will formally declare it at a public meeting next week.
Press release explains:
Declaring a state of emergency authorizes local governments to perform non-standard activities such as closing roads and ordering evacuations. It also authorizes spending beyond current budgets and authorizes cities and counties to levy up to two additional emergency plants. If costs are expected to exceed those two plants, the county and city can ask the state of Montana to declare a state of emergency, which would free up additional funds. Missoula County filed a request for the declaration with the state this morning. We have not received confirmation yet.
A state declaration of emergency is the first step in obtaining federal aid. This would allow FEMA to reimburse up to 75% of costs.
People are still asked to conserve water, especially in South Mountain and Linda Vista, as Missoula Water still relies on generators to operate.
Residents are asked not to use water for lawns and to “limit household use,” including use of washing machines, dishwashers and showers or tubs.
Missoula County and City Public Works departments are continuing to prioritize the removal of debris that blocks public rights of way, including streets/roads, sidewalks and alleys.
“They do not have the ability to pick up debris from private property. Residents should no Move yard waste to boulevards, sidewalks or streets,” the release reads.
Officials are still working to establish public waste drop-off sites in Lolo, Frenchtown and Seeley Lake.
Drop-off sites where residents can drop off storm debris remain free of charge. These sites have long wait times.
The drop off location is:
- Garden City Compost (1125 Clark Fork Lane, open Friday and Saturday 8-5)
- Fort Missoula (36th Street lot)
- Larchmont Triangle (Post Siding Road entrance)
- McCormick Park (East End)
- Fort Missoula Pond (accessed via 40th Avenue, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Russell Street (accessible parking between YMCA and Russell Elementary School)
Only dump debris in designated areas and follow all site instructions. People are asked to use the Garden City compost site if possible as all the debris that falls from other compost sites will be there.
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