Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security News Release
For immediate release, June 8, 2010
Contact:  (primary) Robert Feeley, (208) 859-6943 or (secondary) Col. Tim Marsano (208) 407-8838

Idaho Counties under State Disaster Declaration Due to Flooding

 

(Boise)  Due to severe weather and flooding conditions in central Idaho, State Senate President Pro Tem and Acting Governor Bob Geddes today declared a disaster emergency in support of Adams, Idaho and Valley counties.

With his signature, Senator Geddes paved the way to make state government support available for use in the affected counties.  State support could include personnel, equipment and facilities to help the counties deal with the threats to public safety and property. Senator Geddes is Acting Governor while both Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and Lieutenant Governor Brad Little are out of the state.

“Adams, Idaho and Valley county officials have gone above and beyond in their efforts to deal with this unexpected event, and I applaud their work,” Senator Geddes said.  “They have now asked for additional help from the State of Idaho, and by signing this declaration I will ensure they get the assistance they need to get through this emergency.”

The Disaster Declaration gives the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (BHS) authority to assign missions to State of Idaho departments and agencies.  The bureau will work closely with the counties to conduct damage assessments and to determine the best methods and sources for handling the emergency.  “Idaho is prepared for disasters and assisting Adams, Idaho and Valley Counties in handling situations like this are well within the ability of Idaho state government,” said BHS Director Brigadier General Bill Shawver.  “The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security will work to direct available resources to the task at hand.”

At this time the counties are working closely with the BHS Area Field Officers and Idaho Emergency Operations Center to assess the damage caused by the recent flooding.  The Idaho Military Division is currently conducting an aerial survey to assist in these damage assessments.  Once a clearer picture emerges and the level of damage is apparent, BHS will work with the affected counties to determine how to best allocate resources in the response and recovery to the flooding event.

 

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Note to reporters:  The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security is the State of Idaho’s emergency management agency.  Please note that Idaho BHS is an Idaho-specific agency, and it is not the same thing as the federal Department of Homeland Security.  Within the State of Idaho organizational chart, Idaho BHS is aligned under the State of Idaho Military Division.

 

Original Release