• Salt Lake City: Partly Cloudy 66°
partlycloudy
Deseret News
Home
  • Login/Register
    • Mobile
    • Mobile Site
    • Text Version
    • Mobile Apps
Powered by YAHOO! SEARCH
  • News
  • Sports
  • Moneywise
  • Opinion
  • Faith
  • Family
  • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
    • Cars
    • Jobs
    • Deals
powered by ksl.com
  • Utah
  • World & Nation
  • Politics
  • Business
  • More News
    • Education
    • Salt Lake County
    • Utah County
    • Davis County
    • Police/Courts
    • Legislature
    • Weather
    • Immigration
    • News Wire
Advertise with usReport this ad

Gov. Herbert declares state of emergency at site of southern Utah flooding

  • Print
  • Font [+] [-]
  • 10 Comments »

By Jed Boal, Deseret News

Published: Thursday, Sept. 20 2012 6:05 p.m. MDT

  • View 2 photos »

Gov. Gary Herbert declares a state of emergency for southern Utah areas affected by flooding in Santa Clara on Thursday.

Matt Powers, Deseret News

Summary

Gov. Gary Herbert toured a Santa Clara neighborhood impacted by flooding Thursday and declared a state of emergency for Utah.

More Coverage
  • Video: Governor declares state of emergency in Santa Clara flood area (KSL)

SANTA CLARA, Washington County — Gov. Gary Herbert toured a Santa Clara neighborhood impacted by flooding Thursday and declared a state of emergency for Utah.

"My heart goes out to the local residents and families who were impacted by this terrible tragedy," Herbert said. "Recovering from disasters and rebuilding public infrastructure takes partnerships and cooperation. The state of Utah deeply appreciates first responders, local county officials, the countless and inspiring volunteers, as well as FEMA's efforts to help Santa Clara assess the damage so we can begin to rebuild what we have lost."

On Sept. 11, the earthen retention dam holding back Laub Pond was breached following a week of heavy rains. On Thursday, a track hoe was stabilizing the sides of the dam to keep if from collapsing further while city officials make repairs.

"In a way, it was like a tsunami, and you really couldn't get out of the way," said Carson Bostwick, whose home was destroyed by the flooding.

Sixty-six homes and 18 businesses were damaged with mud and water, along with roads, sidewalks and other infrastructure. Some homes suffered serious structural damage and may have to be condemned and knocked down. 

"It's been tough on them," Santa Clara Mayor Rick Rosenberg said. "They've been cleaning out the basements, and the daily grind … of going down and facing the loss of your possessions and damage to your home is wearing on them."

The mayor said thousands of volunteers have come out and really helped lift the homeowners' spirits.

"People come to each other's aid immediately," Rosenberg said. "Even when the flood was still flowing, there were people coming to each other's aid down in there, and it's been nonstop ever since."

The affected areas of Santa Clara, Ivins and St. George suffered $3.8 million in damages to public infrastructure. Herbert anticipates signing a letter requesting President Barack Obama issue a presidential disaster declaration for the state in the next few weeks.

If approved, Utah would become eligible for federal disaster assistance for public infrastructure. Damage to homes and businesses would not be eligible for federal assistance.

E-mail: jboal@ksl.com

Related Stories
  • Video: Governor declares state of emergency in Santa Clara flood area (KSL)

Featured Comments

See all 10 comments »
Esquire
Springville, UT

While I empathize with the people impacted, I am intrigued that a large motivation for the declaration is to get money from the federal government. My, how Utah leaders speak out of both sides of their mouths.

  • 6:15 a.m. Sept. 21, 2012
  • Top comment
no fit in SG
St.George, Utah

Countless years of badmouthing Democrats and President Obama.
Years of rhetoric concerning the evil of government handouts. Whining about too much government in their lives........
shades of Saint George and the majority of Utah.
Sorry More..

  • 8:01 a.m. Sept. 21, 2012
  • Top comment
Bill McGee
Alpine, UT

I think all the folks down in Santa Clara who support the ridiculous rhetoric of folks like Herbert and Mia Love, if they have any integrity at all, should be protesting Herbert's decision - and instead be tin-cupping their neighbors for money More..

  • 8:47 a.m. Sept. 21, 2012
  • Top comment
Comments
Leave a comment »

DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.
— About comments

About the Author
Jed Boal

Jed Boal

  • Connect:
Advertise with usReport this ad
What You May Have Missed
  • No kid is an island: homeschool co-ops give social opportunities to children who learn at home
  • Life of prayer: Attitudes and beliefs about prayer evolve in old age
  • Watch a video tribute to Sister Frances J. Monson
Sample morning edition email
Advertise with usReport this ad
Most Popular
Across Site
In Utah
  • Davis County honor student arrested in deaths...
  • Steven Powell can't go back to his home,...
  • Man charged with killing Ogden officer found...
  • Letters to family show Steven Powell still...
  • Josh Powell made 'admission of guilt' in...
  • 2 from Provo killed in RV accident near St....
  • Stump the Smith: Can you answer the questions...
  • One third of millenials regret going to college
  • Sister Frances J. Monson's legacy of love...
  • LDS Church responds to Boy Scouts of...
  • Davis County honor student arrested in deaths...
  • BYU basketball: Agustin Ambrosino leaves BYU...
  • Boy Scouts open membership to all boys,...
  • Steven Powell can't go back to his home,...
  • Man charged with killing Ogden officer found...
  • USA Today takes note of LDS sister missionaries
Get The Deseret News Everywhere

Subscribe

Mobile

Facebook

Twitter

RSS

Email

Most Commented
Across Site
In Utah
  • Chaffetz not willing to take... 67
  • Mia Love announces she's officially... 43
  • S.L. draws up airport plans 33
  • Couples registry gets preliminary nod... 29
  • XanGo co-founder accuses partners of... 25
  • 'We're here to serve all boys,' Utah... 23
  • Search for Susan Cox Powell is over,... 21
  • Man charged with killing Ogden officer... 18
  • Letters: No welfare, ever 78
  • Chaffetz not willing to take... 67
  • LDS Church responds to Boy Scouts of... 60
  • High school baseball: 5A, 4A state... 56
  • Defending the Faith: A case for the... 55
  • Hard work, dedication pay off for... 43
  • Mia Love announces she's officially... 43
  • BYU baseball: Cougars upset No. 13... 43
Advertise with usReport this ad
Advertise with usReport this ad
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Moneywise
  • Opinion
  • Faith
  • Family
  • Obituaries
Home »
  • Blogs
  • Topics
  • Lists
  • Movies
  • Columnists
  • Watch It
News »
  • Utah news
  • World & Nation
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Education
  • Salt Lake County
  • Utah County
  • Davis County
  • Police/Courts
  • Legislature
  • Weather
  • Immigration
  • News Wire
Sports »
  • Utah Jazz
  • Sports Picks
  • BYU Cougars
  • Utah Utes
  • Utah State Aggies
  • Real Salt Lake
  • Salt Lake Bees
  • High school sports
  • Rock
  • Harmon
  • Watch It
  • Scores and Stats
  • On TV
  • NFL
  • MLB
  • Weber State Wildcats
  • Grizzlies
  • Utah Valley Wolverines
  • Southern Utah University
  • Sports Wire
Opinion »
  • Editorials
  • Op-Eds
  • Letters
  • Political Cartoons
Faith »
  • Featured Faiths
  • Mormon Times
  • LDS Church News
  • Mission Reunions
  • Faith Wire
Family »
  • Marriage & Parenting
  • Family Media
  • Movie Guide
  • Calendar
  • TV Listings
  • Family Life Wire
Special Sections »
  • Education Week
  • LDS General Conference
  • Mormons in America
  • Olympics
  • Outdoor Retailer
  • Rugby
  • Sports Picks
  • Sundance Film Festival
  • Utah Blaze
  • Utah Grizzlies
  • Print Subscription
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • FAQ
  • Feedback
  • Jobs
  • RSS
  • E-Edition
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Legal notices
  • Advertise with us
Advertise with usReport this ad