Sandoval seeks major U.S. disaster declaration for floods

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, joined by fellow Republicans Sen. Dean Heller and Rep. Mark Amodei along with Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, has asked President Trump and the Army Corps of Engineers to direct disaster relief for Northern Nevada.

Trump took just three days to declare emergency relief in the wake of January flooding in western Nevada but Sandoval said there was even more severe damage in February and not just in Washoe Valley but across the northern half of the state.

“The February flood disproportionately damaged Elko County, Douglas County and Carson City and has continued to devastate Lemmon Valley in Washoe County,” Sandoval said.

He said the state will need help from the Army Corps of Engineers to also make sure the area is better prepared for what could be record spring runoff and flooding.

“Northern Nevada needs immediate relief from the devastating effects of recent flooding in our state,” Heller said. “That’s why we are encouraging President Trump and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve requests from Gov. Sandoval to ensure Nevada receives the assistance to rehabilitate from this widespread flooding and mitigate further damage.”

“The severe weather has impacted not only individual homes and businesses but also roads and bridges so a widespread relief effort form the state and federal government is essential,” said Masto.

Sandoval has asked for direct as well as indirect federal assistance including not only materials and funding but personnel to help mitigate and repair flood damage throughout the area.

As part of the request, the governor is also seeking technical assistance including social services and legal assistance for citizens with legal and insurance questions.