The Gianforte Administration has declared a statewide disaster due to destructive flooding in southern Montana.
The announcement came from Gov. Greg Gianforte's social media Tuesday morning and an email to press. The executive order was signed by Lt. Governor Kristen Juras as acting governor. MTN has learned that Gianforte is out of the country and gave Juras delegated authority to act on his behalf in response to flooding in the state. It is unclear at this time where the governor traveled to, or when he is expected to return. “With rapid snowmelt and recent heavy rains, communities in south-central Montana are experiencing severe flooding that is destroying homes, washing away roads and bridges, and leaving Montanans without power and water services,” Gianforte said in a release.