Clearwater County added to disaster declaration list
(Boise) Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has signed a State of Idaho disaster declaration to add additional Idaho counties to the list of those affected by this winter’s extreme snow conditions. Last week, the governor signed a disaster declaration for Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Latah Counties. Added were Benewah, Clearwater, Fremont, Power and Shoshone Counties.
"The addition of these five counties brings the number of counties affected to nine, which underscores the severity of this winter's impact on Idaho," said Gov. Otter. "Our state government will support these additional counties as they work to provide critical services to our fellow Idahoans."
The governor’s disaster declaration paves the way for additional state government support to those counties. State support could include additional personnel, equipment and facilities to help the counties deal with threats to public safety and property.
With this emergency declaration, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security has the authority to assign missions to State of Idaho departments and agencies. The bureau will work closely with the counties affected to determine the best methods and sources for handling the emergency.
At this time, the affected counties are working closely with Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security area field officers to determine how to best allocate those resources over the next days and weeks.
Shoshone County and Bonner County have received State of Idaho assistance in the form of Idaho National Guardsmen to remove snow from the roofs of school buildings. More than 60 Citizen Soldiers are currently assigned to those missions.
The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security has assisted affected counties by providing contractors and state resources to remove snow from public roads. The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is an agency of the Idaho Military Division.