Gov. Otter visits area to survey flooding damage

Gov.  “Butch” Otter, was in Bonners Ferry June 10 with his staff to survey the damage caused by flooding in the Boundary County area.

The Governor met with Jay Baker  of the Idaho Dept. of Homeland Security, Bonners Ferry Mayor Dave Anderson and Boundary County Commissioner Dan Dinning to discuss the potential for increased flood levels, and identify how the state can support the local response. 

In two Black Hawk helicopters the officials flew over Boundary County observing rivers, levees  and dikes in the area.

“We flew a large section of the Kootenai and Moyie and then came back down to Bonners Ferry,” said Dinning.  “We really appreciated the Governor coming it was well worth the time.”

Dinning said the Army Corps of Engineers has done a wonderful job dealing with what is a historical snow pack.

“A large part of the damage will be to farmers due to seepage and the duration of the high waters,” Dining said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is supporting local operations through construction and reinforcement of levees, providing sandbags and pumps, and by sending teams of engineers and technicians to assist in preparation and response efforts in Bonner, Boundary and Benewah counties.

The State of Idaho already has been supporting local response efforts by providing sandbags and high-capacity pumps, technical and material assistance for bridge reinforcement, removal of river debris, and assistance with aerial surveys.