Idaho To Receive $5.8 Million For Flood Repairs

Idaho will get a total of $5.8 million in federal and state funding to repair levees and other flood-control structures damaged in flooding last winter.

Sen. Larry Craig said Tuesday that Idaho will get $4.4 million of the $7.5 million in federal funds available through the Economic Development Administration. With state matching funds, the total will reach $5.8 million.

Craig, R-Idaho, said work will begin shortly in Cataldo and St. Maries. Repairs in Orofino, Kendrick and Juliaetta will begin as soon as state and federal environmental permits can be obtained.

Of Idaho’s money, Cataldo will receive $280,000, St. Maries $2.23 million, Orofino $1.186 million, Kendrick $1.28 million and Juliaetta $694,000.

Craig said the allocations were finalized last week at a meeting of the state and federal flood-recovery task force. He said he is happy that the money was approved but continues to be concerned that federal paperwork will slow some repairs.

“I’m concerned that delays in getting environmental permits might expose some communities to additional flooding this winter,” Craig said. “I’ll be asking federal officials to work closely with the state to see if we can’t speed up the process for obtaining permits.”