Bonner County board approves written disaster declaration after extreme winter weather

Bonner County commissioners on Dec. 23 approved a written disaster declaration for the whole county after staff said extreme winter weather posed risks to life, property and structures.

Emergency Management requested the formal written declaration to support ongoing response and to meet state requirements. The board was told that a verbal declaration had been made Dec. 18 by Bonner County Chairman Brian Donkey at 10:26 a.m. and that the written declaration would support requests for state assistance and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers.

A motion to approve the countywide disaster declaration was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. Commissioners recorded that the declaration was based on potential danger to life and property caused by severe weather, and staff will continue to coordinate with the state and federal partners on repairs and reimbursement. The board later noted a likely 50/50 state match on qualifying costs and that Army Corps assistance would cover some work directly.

The board also warned that county financial exposure depends on the total qualifying costs; staff reported current estimates well below the federal threshold for a presidential declaration.