Mitchell says flood resources available

While recent flooding across Montana has been national news, we are the ones who are living through the real devastation in those communities outsiders only see on TV.

Neither the government or one individual can prevent a natural disaster, but these events teach us how to prepare for future, similar events. On Saturday, I attended a stakeholders meeting with Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino who gave us an update on the areas hit, listened to members from our bipartisan federal delegation, and spoke with Insurance Commissioner Troy Downing. I also spent Monday afternoon with Gov. Gianforte - first at a briefing on the Flathead County flood and recovery efforts, followed by a tour of the damage across the Flathead.

One area the government can be of assistance in, is to plan for future events like these by immediately investing in 21st and 22nd Century infrastructure. This flooding leaves no question as to the many needs we have - whether from a natural disaster or population growth. As we recover from this natural disaster, many of you will also be navigating the complex and sometimes frustrating process of insurance claims. If you need additional help with insurance claims, please reach out to the Montana State Auditor’s office at (800) 332-6148 or online at www.csimt.gov. As always, I am available to support you as well. As your State Representative, I can be reached directly at (406) 200-8384 or Braxton.Mitchell@mtleg.gov.

Braxton Mitchell

Columbia Falls