President Joe Biden has approved federal aid for five Utah counties to respond to damages caused by flooding earlier this year. The historic snowpack melting in Utah resulted in widespread flooding, leading Governor Spencer Cox to declare a state of emergency. The affected counties, including Iron, Morgan, Sanpete, Utah, and Wasatch, will receive federal emergency funds for damage sustained between May 1 and May 27. The funds will go towards repairing public infrastructure, such as roads and storm drains, damaged during the runoff. The total amount of funding the state could receive is uncertain, as the federal approval is just the beginning of the process.
In Iron County, much of the damage from flooding, including washed-out roads and damaged culverts, has already been repaired. The county’s emergency manager, George Colson, stated that the most damage occurred near the southwest boundary and in nearby Hamlin Valley. The state had applied for relief across a wider time frame and with 11 counties, but any assistance from the federal government is beneficial.
The estimated damages in the five approved counties amount to around $16 million, although this figure is preliminary and subject to change. State and local governments will work closely in the coming weeks and months to approve repairs or reimbursements. Overall, the approval of federal aid brings relief to areas affected by the devastating flooding in Utah earlier this year.
This decision by President Biden marks a significant step in aiding the recovery efforts in these communities and demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to supporting areas impacted by natural disasters. It is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between state and federal authorities in addressing the aftermath of the historic flooding.
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