Last week it was southern Montana, this week it’s the northern part of the state in flood stage. The personal impact to many is immediate, the longer term economic impact is still unclear and will likely remain unclear for weeks to come. Various philanthropic organizations are setting up accounts to receive and distribute donations for those immediately impacted.
The Governor’s Office and various state agencies are mobilizing to deal with the longer term economic impacts, including receiving a Presidential disaster declaration for the southern tier and efforts to expand that declaration to affected areas in the Northwest part of the state. Infrastructure, personal and commercial property, and loss of business opportunities are among the many assessments that will have to occur over the coming weeks.
The Montana Chamber of Commerce is working with Montana Department of Commerce Director, Scott Osterman, and his team on a variety of fronts, including appropriate messaging to encourage travel back to areas as they become available for business again.
In the meantime, if you want to help, contact the local Chambers of Commerce in affected communities for guidance on area-specific needs and trusted philanthropic organizations targeting relief to those most harmed.
