NEWS RELEASE
Idaho Office of Emergency Management
For immediate release March 20, 2018
Contact: Elizabeth C. Duncan
(208) 258-6595 eduncan@imd.idaho.gov

Governor Signs State Disaster Declaration for Madison County

Multiple county roadways remain impassable due to sheet flooding

 

BOISE – Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter today signed a state disaster declaration for Madison County due to spring flooding. The north east Idaho county of roughly 39,000 is experiencing significant road washouts and destruction caused by sheet flooding due to rain and warmer temperatures.

“Access to homes, disruption to commerce, and limited first responder access are very real threats to the public in and around Rexburg,” said Corey Child, Madison County Fire Chief and Emergency Manager. “Everyone is very sensitive to the needs of the community and the difficulty this flooding continues to cause. We’re not out of the woods yet either, as the forecast calls for additional moisture over the next few days.”

Local officials say the ground has not thawed in the bench area east of Rexburg, and as temperatures warm, and rain falls the water simply cascades in sheets over roadways. The area is home to multiple dry farms, and sellers are having a difficult time getting semi-trucks of potatoes to manufacturing plants.

“We are grateful for the Governor’s Office and the Idaho Office of Emergency Management for their quick and sensitive response to our unique emergency,” said Jon Weber, Madison County Commissioner. “State assistance is welcome and essential in mitigating the disaster we are experiencing.”

A state disaster declaration makes state matching funds available to counties to assist with response and repair efforts. Today’s declaration is the first weather-related declaration this year in Idaho.

The Idaho Emergency Operations Center (IDEOC) remains activated at Level III in support of Madison County. For a daily statewide synopsis of issues relating to current state declarations, please visit the IOEM website. https://ioem.idaho.gov/WebFiles/SituationReports/websitrep.pdf

 

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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 men and women 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.

High water can cause significant hazards. Residents are reminded to avoid low-water crossings and not attempt to cross water-covered roads.

“Turn Around Don’t Drown.”

 

Original Release