County declared emergency disaster

By GWEN ALBERS

Managing editor

Bunny Hodgson found herself trapped in her Moyie Springs home for five days last week after a mass of snow slid from her roof and blocked her door.

That was just one of the stories told after more than 15 inches of new snow fell on Boundary County, which Gov. Butch Otter on Thursday declared an emergency disaster. Ron Smith, chairman for the Boundary County commissioners, also declared a local disaster emergency due to snowfall and the potential for damage due to thawing and flooding.

Another 5 to 10 inches was expected for Wednesday into Thursday with a mix of rain and snow forecast for this weekend.

The accumulation of snow last week prompted officials with Boundary County School District to begin removing snow from the roofs of buildings.

Jim Bace, maintenance supervisor for the school district, was authorized to pay $10 an hour for people to shovel snow. Beginning on Jan. 31, 25 to 30 workers began removing snow from Valley View Elementary School.

"The snow load was quite a bit," Bace said.

The roof can handle about 40 pounds per square foot; it was at 36 pounds per square foot.

"So we were just a little bit too close," he said.

Workers also spent Friday and Saturday removing snow from the roof at Bonners Ferry High School. The effort continued Monday with fewer people.

"Everybody went to Sandpoint," Bace said. "They're paying $15 (an hour)."

The governor's disaster declaration paved the way for additional state government support to counties, including Bonner. State support could include additional personnel, equipment and facilities to help the counties deal with threats to public safety and property.

In Boundary County's case, the state provided a sand-salt mix for local crews to apply to roads, Smith said.

"We have access to it at no cost," he said.

With this emergency declaration, the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security also has the authority to assign missions to State of Idaho departments and agencies. The bureau will work closely with the counties affected to determine the best methods and sources for handling the emergency.

The county road and bridge department had $25,000 budgeted for overtime pay.

"For a few years, we haven't used that," said Jeff Gutshall, superintendent of the road and bridge department. "This year, we will use it all."

Plow truck drivers have been working 11- to 12-hour days to keep up with 340 miles of roads, "and sometimes a little longer," Gutshall said.

"We have two people on at night," he said. "We try to keep sanding and keep roads safe."