Flooded Dixie will request federal help

ST. GEORGE — Flood-weary residents of Washington County continued cleanup efforts Monday, just as Utah's governor prepared to ask President Bush for federal help in rebuilding the devastated region.

"We are also trying to find other sources of funding, such as grants from other agencies," said St. George Assistant City Manager Marc Mortensen. "We are looking into every avenue possible, whether it's private or public."

A preliminary damage assessment report, prepared by a team of Federal Emergency Management Agency officials, was on its way to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Monday as well. From there, the report — and a request for a presidential disaster declaration — will be delivered to President Bush for his signature.

St. George Mayor Dan McArthur didn't wait for the report to be completed before heading to Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to meet with a special assistant to the president, said Mortensen.

"He's there to push our efforts here in Washington County," Mortensen said. "The (FEMA) report includes all the eligible preliminary figures, without specific details. It's what FEMA thinks we should be eligible for in federal disaster assistance funds."

Washington County Emergency Services Coordinator Dean Cox managed to take the day off Monday, something he hasn't done for more than a week. Cox said he reviewed FEMA's report, which contains "very preliminary" figures.

After visiting various flood-damaged bridges, roads, and water and sewer lines in the county, FEMA placed the county's damage at $18.8 million. That amount does not include federal property, like the three bridges leading to and from Gunlock, and damages to federal property in the various cities. Damage to public and private property in the county is expected to surge well past $150 million, according to several local officials.

In fact, shoring up the Santa Clara and Virgin rivers could cost as much as $40 million to $70 million, Cox said, and private losses may not meet federal guidelines for financial assistance.

A consumer specialist with the Utah Department of Insurance will arrive today to help private property owners analyze their policies and options, he added.

Some property owners on the banks of the two rivers are trying to stabilize the riverbanks by themselves, which could cause problems for others downstream, Mortensen said.