Crow Tribe cites at least $3M in flood damage

Thursday, June 14, 2007  

The Crow Tribe of Montana estimates recent flooding caused at least $3 million in damage to the reservation.

Chairman Carl Venne declared a state of disaster in hopes of speeding up federal and state assistance. But he said Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) has been slow to respond.

The tribe is now seeking support from the state's Congressional delegation. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Montana) has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to take immediate action. Sens. Max Baucus (D) and Jon Tester (D) also say the tribe's needs are urgent.

"The Crow Tribe got caught in a bureaucracy of red tape," Jack Old Horn, an information officer, told The Billings Gazette.

The Crow Reservation and the nearby Northern Cheyenne Reservation were hit by floods starting last week.

Get the Story:
Montana delegation calls for flood assistance (The Billings Gazette 6/14)
Tribe raps flood response (AP 6/14)

Related Stories:
Two Montana tribes start to recover from flooding (6/13)
Floods hit Crow, Northern Cheyenne reservations (6/12)
Flood hits Northern Cheyenne elementary school (6/7)