Montana Gets Federal Help For December’s Storm Damage

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced that Donald Trump has approved two Major Disaster Declarations for Montana, making federal assistance available to help communities recover from severe flooding and damaging windstorms in December.

The declarations unlock Public Assistance funding for eligible local governments, tribal nations and certain nonprofit organizations. The funding will support emergency response efforts and the repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, rural electric systems and water control facilities in affected counties.

“Many of Montana’s communities are still recovering from the damage left behind by December’s floods and strong winds,” Gianforte said. “These federal disaster declarations will bring important support to help rebuild damaged roads and bridges, restore rural electric systems, and strengthen the infrastructure Montanans depend on every day. Thank you President Trump.”

State officials said heavy rainfall combined with warm temperatures in December 2025 led to widespread flooding, while a prolonged wind event and associated blizzard caused additional damage across the state. Joint damage assessments conducted by local officials, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency confirmed losses that exceeded federal thresholds for assistance.

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With the declarations approved, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services will work with FEMA to administer the Public Assistance program and guide eligible applicants through the recovery process.