HomeMy WebLinkAboutMax Baucus (2) MAX BAUCUS WASHINGTON, DC
MONTANA (202) 224 -2651
MONTANA TOLL FREE NUMBER
United 6 Statts o Se ate 1-800-332-6106
WASHINGTON, DC 20510 -2602 INTERNET
http: / /baucus. senate. gov
June 20, 2011 ry � ! 11 �� _ ..s
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The Honorable Kenneth Olson Jr. JUN 2720 1 11 .)
Mayor
City of Laurel
PO Box 10 CITY OF LAUREL
Laurel, MT 59044 -0010
Dear Kenneth:
As you know, the White House recently issued a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Montana
due to damage caused by devastating flooding across the state. This is a very difficult time for all
Montanans. I want you to know that my staff and I are available to you to help in any and every way
possible.
In the difficult weeks ahead, there are a number of ways that I aim to help Montana recover.
First, my bottom line is this: If you are concerned that a federal agency made an incorrect decision
regarding the eligibility of state, county, local, tribal, non - profit, business or individuals for
assistance, bring your application and information to me. Our job is to make sure if you're eligible,
you receive the assistance. This is important because often in an effort to process requests quickly,
federal agencies can reject claims that should - by the regulations - be approved. Everyone makes
mistakes. But, by working together, we can make sure mistakes regarding federal assistance are
quickly identified and corrected.
For example, as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a preliminary
damage assessment of Yellowstone County, they determined that the damage to the Huntley Project
Irrigation District would not qualify to be included in the damage assessment. However, my staff
determined that the Huntley Project did in fact qualify and I worked with FEMA to have the decision
reversed. I hope to continue this productive working relationship with FEMA and other federal
agencies to see that all those that are eligible for assistance receive the help they deserve.
Second, I want to make sure you have all the information you need to make good decisions in
response to disasters. That means that you will receive quick responses to all inquiries to my office
about what assistance is available and how to apply. That also means that I will be working with
FEMA and other federal agencies to set up briefings for all those interested in applying for federal
assistance. Do not hesitate to contact my DC office using my toll -free number, 800 - 332 -6106, or one
of my eight Montana offices if you do not feel that you are receiving all the information you need to
make decisions regarding your home or your business.
BILLINGS BOZEMAN BUTTE GLENDIVE GREAT FALLS HELENA KALISPELL MISSOULA
(406) 657-6790 (406) 586-6104 (406) 782-8700 (406) 365-7002 (406) 761-1574 (406) 449-5480 (406) 756-1150 (406) 329-3123
Thank you for your understanding and attention during this difficult time in Montana. We are
all in this together. I look forward to working with you in the challenging weeks and months ahead.
Sincerely,
MB /rj