Bush OKs disaster funds for S. Utah

ST. GEORGE — Confirmation that President Bush signed a federal disaster declaration for Washington and Kane counties came late Tuesday to Utah's governor and other officials.

"It's great that the president acted with such expediency," said Tammy Kikuchi, director of communications for Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. "This means a lot for the entire state of Utah but especially for the people of southern Utah."

Details were scarce Tuesday night, but Kikuchi said the presidential declaration would free up federal disaster funds to help repair flood-damaged public infrastructure in the two counties.

"It's good news," said St. George Mayor Dan McArthur. "We don't know what it'll cover, yet, but we lost a lot. And we're hopeful we'll receive other funds from other agencies."

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said the Federal Emergency Management Agency's determination that private property losses did not qualify for assistance deserves a second look.

"The state can appeal that, and we probably should," said Hatch. "We don't know the details of this declaration yet, but we do know it's to help fund repairs of public infrastructure only."

Damage estimates of public and private property losses are between $150 million and $180 million, McArthur said.

"I'm not so worried about the public infrastructure, though. We'll get that back over time," he said. "My concern right now is to get money into the hands of the people who have lost everything."

A trust fund called the Virgin River/Santa Clara River Flood Relief Fund, Inc., has been set up to help funnel donations to those victims. Nearly $100,000 has been raised since Jan. 11.

An advance FEMA team already opened an office in St. George in anticipation of the president's signature. A full team of FEMA representatives is expected to arrive and set up the joint field office today.

Damaged public infrastructure that is not already covered by insurance or other federal agencies could be eligible for the federal funds.

"It's good news, of course, but we've still got some serious issues," said Washington County Emergency Services director Dean Cox.

At least $60 million could be needed to secure the river channels, which surged far beyond their normal flood plains, in order to prevent further damage during the spring runoff, he added.

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