Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

Ah, spring!!! Warmer air, puffy clouds, bird calls and songs, snow and ice melting. Such an uplifting time. But it’s also, as this area so readily knows, times of horrific hail, flood and fire. Additionally, eleven years ago in June 2010, a tornado did considerable damage to the convention/entertainment center in Billings. That tornado was the first one in the area since 1910. Locals can also easily remember the horrible flood that drowned the south part of Roundup in 2011. A huge fire in 2012 destroyed acreage, homes, out buildings and killed various livestock and wild animals. Hail in May 2018 did hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to Roundup businesses and homes. In the past ten years, this area has had many “only every 100 years” disasters.

In these past ten years, according to statistics received from the Department of Emergency Services, the State of Montana has expended $1,173,147 for flood (in 2011 alone, 48 counties and 6 Tribes had flooding), and $498,138 for severe winter storm response. In that same time frame, Federal expenditures provided to Montana were flood, $53,257 with a state cost share of $11,369 (cost share is the amount needed to receive federal funds); severe storms $1,694,434, state match $251,235; tornado, $3,045,116, with state match of $924,038. Fire, however, is the largest cost to the State of Montana, costing $284,924,921 for the past 10 years. (Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation). With only $24,575,875 being reimbursed from FEMA, this alone is a huge expense to the state and its citizens.

Not only are these costly natural disasters tragic for people, pets, livestock and property, but expensive for impacted communities and individuals as well. Some reimbursement from insurance can be expected. However, not all costs are recovered nor insurance available to provide full compensation.

Musselshell County Recovery Team (MCRT), formed in 2011 as a response to the floods that year, is an entity tasked with helping those impacted by natural disasters. Their goal is to work with other local and national organizations to respond to the immediate needs of food and shelter. MCRT is a volunteer organization, comprised of individuals who coordinate with local faith-based groups, community organizations, individual donors, and businesses. MCRT also coordinates with local emergency services, Red Cross, AmeriCorp, and Salvation Army. Musselshell Valley Community Foundation is the fiscal sponsor for MCRT, providing sponsorship necessary to bring in national and regional assistance. MCRT meets every other month. However, during crises, staff are always available to assist.

Requirements for registering with MCRT for assistance are: the property damage must be the client’s primary residence; client has to be registered with DES; be in a vulnerable demographic (elderly, poverty, disabled, or dependent children); and has to work with a MCRT case manager in establishing needs and resources. For each project/case, the goal is to get the client back to pre-disaster status. Once funds are approved, the client receives notification where they can purchase necessary supplies and tools for repair. The client does not receive the funds directly; rather, the funds are sent to a provider who helps the client make the necessary purchases with the amount MCRT has allocated.

Case managers are trained via United Methodist Committee on Relief, Volunteers of America in Disaster, and FEMA training programs. There is a case number assigned to every client; confidentiality and impartiality is ensured by only referring to cases by this number. There are usually four officers on the Board; volunteer staff vary as the needs require. In times of natural disaster, the volunteer group increases accordingly.

MCRT was recently awarded a grant. These funds purchased 2 catering hot/cold food boxes. 5-gallon catering hot/cold beverage dispenser, a 100-quart heavy duty cooler, a 65-quart cooler, and an emergency road sign. First responders were instrumental in advising what on-site resources they would like to see purchased with grant funds and were relieved when these purchases were approved.

MCRT is currently revising their by-laws to ensure updated information and clarification of information.

For more information on MCRT, contact Susan Haugen, president, at 323-1753.