Briefs for Sept. 9, 2020
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DPHHS to receive nearly $6M in pandemic relief funds
News from the office of Senator Tester
BIG SANDY – To help offset costs incurred through Montana’s public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services will receive $5,713,604 in federal reimbursements through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund. An additional $45 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund has been secured as part of the Coronavirus, Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security Act.
In response to the immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Montana DPHHS expedited the purchase and distribution of materials to provide medical care for COVID-19 patients, including critical supplies and personal protective equipment. In addition, Montana DPHHS disseminated public health information to Tribal governments, providing focused attention to native wellness in the context of the pandemic.
FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund will reimburse Montana DPHHS $5,713,604 of the $7,618,138 in total costs of the State’s protective measures, totaling 75 percent in federal cost sharing.
Energy Keepers explains operating plans
News from Energy Keepers, Inc.
FLATHEAD LAKE – The Flathead Lake and River are operated and managed for multiple public purposes. Those public purposes include recreation, irrigation, fisheries, and flood risk management. Each year we typically like to maintain the lake in its top foot, 2892’-2893’, from approximately June 15 through the Labor Day holiday for recreation. Under normal circumstances, after the Labor Day holiday, the lake is gradually drawn down to 2891’ to mitigate the impact of wave action on shoreline erosion by no later than Oct. 31. During the November-April timeframe the lake level is typically slowly reduced to an elevation that will provide required flood risk management space for the spring runoff. And then finally, each spring, the lake fills naturally on the freshet. This year will be the same. These same operating principles have been in place for many years. At EKI we work with all regional water managers and stakeholders to make sure we successfully meet the operating objectives and requirements. Thank you and have a great rest of the summer.
FEMA grants to fight wildfires
News from the office of Governor Bullock
MONTANA — The state has secured Federal Management Assistance Grants from FEMA to assist with costs associated with fighting the Huff Fire burning in Garfield County, the Bobcat Fire burning in Musselshell and Yellowstone Counties, and the Snider and Rice Fires burning in Rosebud County.
Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation submitted requests for firefighting assistance, with three of those requests approved. The FMAG makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs. Eligible costs include materials and supplies, mobilization and demobilization, equipment use, and expenses for field camps. Additionally, each FMAG is eligible for over $450,000 in federal mitigation funding.
The Huff Fire, which started on Sept. 2, has burned over 30,000 acres and threatened over 900 structures, including a school and a hospital. The Bobcat Fire, which also started on Sept. 2, has burned over 20,000 acres and threatened between 500-700 homes and a coal mine. The Snider and Rice Fires have burned over 48,000 acres and threatened over 1,050 structures.
Construction begins on MT Heritage Center
News from the office of Governor Bullock
HELENA — A small ceremony marking the beginning of construction of the new Montana Heritage Center will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, at 11 a.m. outside the current Montana Historical Society, at 225 North Roberts Street in Helena. The event is limited to 50 people. All attendees will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and anyone exhibiting symptoms will not be admitted. During the event, all participants will be required to wear masks.
The event will also be streamed live on the Historical Society’s Facebook page, MPAN’s PBS stations, and will be posted online following the event at HCTV in Helena at: https://www.helenacivictv.org/ and also https://montanasmuseum.org/.
Shoot for free at Polson shooting range
News from the Polson Shooter Association
POLSON — You are welcome to join others on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for Polson Shooter Association Range’s annual open house and picnic. You can shoot for free at 38386 Kerr Dam Road. Come check out the range and see what they have to offer. You can sight-in your rifles or hand guns and have a free lunch of hot dogs and soft drinks. Bring a friend, neighbor or family member. For more information, call Rob at 270-8886 or Mauri at 406-249-2250.
