The Montana Disaster and Emergency Services Public Assistance team collaborates with FEMA to provide disaster relief when local and state governments lack the resources to respond effectively. Federal assistance is determined by factors such as population size, jurisdictional impact, and recent disaster history.

The Public Assistance Program helps cover the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, utilities, and public buildings. It also reimburses emergency functions like debris removal and protective actions. Eligible applicants include local and state governments, certain nonprofits, schools, and Native American tribal governments within designated disaster areas. The federal cost share for this program is at least 75% of eligible expenses for emergency response and permanent repairs.

Click here for important information about historic preservation and your recovery project.

Did you know that to receive federal disaster funds for sand or gravel, applicants must provide documentation that the Montana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has reviewed all material source locations and gives their recommendations?

Find SHPO forms here.

Public Assistance for Counties and incorporated towns/cities request a 2-Mill Levy. More information can be found on 2-Mill Levy’s can be found here.

Preliminary Damage Assessment Process

PDA Process Flow Chart