Author: Delanie Edmunds
President Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for Idaho
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 15, 2026
Contact: Delanie Edmunds
(208) 258-6585
delanie.edmunds@imd.idaho.gov
President Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for Idaho
BOISE, ID – President Donald Trump has approved the State of Idaho’s Major Disaster Declaration to help ten Idaho counties and areas affected by a straight-line windstorm in December that brought substantial damage.
The counties covered in the Presidential Disaster Declaration include Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce and Shoshone Counties. The December 16-18 straight-line wind event brought 80-90 mph gusts across the region. A Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment conducted by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM), and local representatives in April confirmed the total damage across the counties surpassed $8.3 million.
“The Presidential Disaster Declaration marks a critical step forward in helping North Idaho communities recover from the devastating windstorm that caused widespread damage across the region. Together we are unlocking more resources to help the process of rebuilding,” said Governor Brad Little.
The President’s approval authorizes the Public Assistance (PA) Program, meaning government departments and some private nonprofit businesses in the approved counties may apply for assistance to help with recovery efforts. IOEM will be working with potential applicants to submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) within the 30-day application deadline of May 7, 2026. The RPA is the first step to identify eligible applicants to the Public Assistance Program.
During the prolonged wind event, over 100,000 customers experienced power loss. Fifteen school districts reported closures due to extreme weather, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions. The storm was responsible for multiple injuries and, sadly, one fatality when a tree fell on an occupied home.
“Severe straight-line winds left a trail of damage across northern Idaho,” said IOEM Bureau Chief Ben Roeber. “This declaration is a vital step, and the funding will help restore public infrastructure. We will continue to work with FEMA and local partners to rebuild.”
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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The women and men of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
FY 24/25 BRIC NOFO Announced
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program is now open for fiscal years (FY) 2024 & 2025.
Subapplicants are encouraged to contact their respective Mitigation Project manager. Southwest, South Central, Southeast, Northeast areas contact Donna Fitzen dfitzen@imd.idaho.gov. North and North Central areas contact Lauren Soares lauren.soares@imd.idaho.gov.
FEMA’s competitive mitigation grant program provides states, local communities, Tribal Nations and territories funding to address high-level future risks to natural disasters such as wildfires, drought, hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme heat and increased flooding to foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering.
The FY 2024 & 2025 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is available in full on Grants.gov.
Notices of Funding Opportunity Resources
Idaho Application Timeline
- March 25, 2026 – May 29, 2026: Application Period (Initial submission to IOEM for review and technical assistance)
- June 1 – June 19, 2026: IOEM Review & Feedback
- July 3, 2026: Final Submission to FEMA Go
BRIC Resources
- FY 2024/25 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity
- FY 2024/25 BRIC Notice of Funding Opportunity Fact Sheet
BRIC Program Support Materials
Find information about various activities under the BRIC program to support building codes, partnerships, and more.
Governor Brad Little Issues a Disaster Declaration to Support Severe Flooding in Northern Idaho
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 3, 2026
Contact: Delanie Edmunds
Office: 208-258-6585
Governor Brad Little Issues a Disaster Declaration to Support Severe Flooding in Northern Idaho
BOISE, ID – Governor Brad Little issued a state disaster declaration to support emergency efforts aimed at stabilizing infrastructure and preventing catastrophic washouts in Clearwater, Idaho, and Nez Perce Counties.
Intense rainfall from an atmospheric river in March caused flooding, landsides, and debris runoff. While the threat of flooding has subsided, local and state teams are continuing to assess damage caused by the event.
“While the immediate threat of flooding has diminished, risks to infrastructure and communities remain,” said Governor Little. “This declaration allows us to support local response efforts to protect Idahoans as we enter spring.”
Local, state and federal agencies, including the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, Idaho Transportation Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council have mobilized personnel and equipment to support response efforts. The state disaster declaration allows for more funding and resources to reinforce affected sites and mitigate further damage.
Residents of these areas are encouraged to stay alert, monitor local emergency communications, and report damages to the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. Idahoans can visit ioem.idaho.gov/report-damages to report damage caused by the weather event to help determine future support opportunities.
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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is part of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The women and men of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY & RESILIENCE
Release Date: April 3, 2026 | Media Contact: Corey.Williams@sba.gov |
Release Number: ID-20021-02 |
SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
Deadline to apply for economic injury loans approaching
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the May 4 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning July 8, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Idaho counties of Bingham, Blaine, Bonneville, Butte, Camas, Cassia, Clark, Custer, Elmore, Fremont, Gooding, Jefferson, Jerome, Lemhi, Lincoln, Madison, Minidoka, Power, Teton and Twin Falls as well as the Montana counties of Beaverhead, Gallatin and Madison, and the Wyoming county of Teton.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs including faith-based organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than May 4. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Governor Brad Little Recognizes March 15 – 21 as Flood Awareness Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 16, 2026
Contact: Delanie Edmunds
(208) 258-6585
Governor Brad Little Recognizes March 15 – 21 as Flood Awareness Week
Idaho Office of Emergency Management urges Idahoans to take proactive steps, including flood insurance, to mitigate the dangers of annual flooding.
BOISE, ID – As warming temperatures signal the arrival of spring, Governor Brad Little has proclaimed March 15 – 21, 2025, as Flood Awareness Week in Idaho. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is joining the annual observance to remind Idahoans of the importance of flood preparedness and awareness, especially as spring snowmelt and seasonal rains increase the risk of flooding across the state.
“Flooding can happen faster than people expect,” said IOEM Bureau Chief Ben Roeber. “It’s an annual risk and already occurring this season. Taking steps now helps Idahoans stay safe when conditions change.”
Major floods have historically occurred in Idaho every one to two years and are considered the most serious and costly natural hazard affecting the state. Since 2018, Idaho has experienced 16 significant flood events, and two federal declarations related to floods – 2025 saw two flooding events which led to state disaster declarations for Kootenai, Bonner and Shoshone Counties. The damages for these events total more than $904,000.
With flooding posing a consistent threat across the state, IOEM plays an important role in addressing these risks by collaborating with local, county, state, and federal partners to implement effective flood mitigation strategies. These efforts focus on reducing the impacts of flooding through proactive planning, infrastructure improvements, and public education.
A key part of IOEM’s efforts is educating the public on how to stay safe during flood events. Flooding is the leading cause of severe weather-related deaths each year in the United States. To stay safe during flood events, IOEM urges Idahoans to follow these basic safety guidelines:
- Never drive through flooded roadways, even if it looks shallow. Just a few inches of fast-moving water can wash away a heavy truck. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Stay informed by monitoring local officials’ websites and social media pages, such as the National Weather Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, for up-to-date weather information.
- If flooding happens, get to higher ground fast.
- Respect and adhere to any barriers or warnings issued by law enforcement.
- Always have an emergency kit in your home and your vehicle in case you need to evacuate to higher ground quickly.
IOEM has created a list of tips and resources about flood preparedness and safety.
In addition to providing resources and safety tips, IOEM continues its partnership with the Idaho Silver Jackets, an interagency flood risk management team, to educate the public on ways to reduce the impacts of flooding. The Idaho Silver Jackets focus on developing comprehensive solutions to flood hazard challenges while promoting flood risk communication.
“With Idaho’s growing population, many residents may not be aware of their flood risk,” said Idaho Silver Jackets Coordinator Russel Lodge. “I encourage everyone to explore floodplain maps, develop emergency plans, and always consider flood risks, especially when traveling or in unfamiliar areas.”
Given the recurring threat of flooding and its potential for loss of life and significant economic impact, Flood Awareness Week also aims to raise awareness of securing flood insurance for properties. FEMA ranks flooding among the most common and costly natural disasters, with just one inch of water capable of inflicting up to $25,000 in damage to a home.
Whether flooding is from the flowing waters of rivers, rainfall, or snowmelt, understanding your flood risk is important. IOEM encourages homeowners, renters, and business owners to consider flood insurance as protection against potential damage.
For more information and flood preparation resources, please visit www.floodsmart.gov.
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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The women and men of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.