Tester announces deployment of FEMA teams to Montana

Senator: ‘Boots on the ground’ will provide assistance, assess damage

(GREAT FALLS, Mont.) – Senator Jon Tester announced that beginning today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is deploying teams to Montana to provide more assistance and to begin assessing damage from widespread flooding.

Tester—a member of the Homeland Security Committee which oversees FEMA—said the first FEMA team is expected to provide assistance and coordination to flooded communities. 

Another team, due in Montana later this week, is expected to travel with Montana National Guard troops and begin the damage assessment process.

Tester said the “boots on the ground” from FEMA are welcome resources for Montana.

“This is a critical step, getting FEMA on the ground to see firsthand the dangerous situations folks across our state are facing,” said Tester, who also serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee which provides funding for FEMA.  “I’m going to keep fighting hard to get this process moving quickly, to get our communities the tools and resources they need to keep folks safe and start rebuilding.”

Tester joined Governor Brian Schweitzer on Friday to survey flood damage across Montana, flying over the Musselshell, Missouri, Yellowstone, Boulder, Judith, Little Big Horn and Big Horn rivers.

Tester has also been pushing federal agencies to prepare resources and aid for Montana communities facing widespread flooding.