President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for six Idaho counties, unlocking federal assistance for communities still recovering from a violent windstorm that struck in mid-March and caused more than $5.9 million in damage.
The declaration covers Benewah, Bonner, Clearwater, Kootenai, Latah, and Nez Perce counties, all of which were battered by the storm between March 11 and 15. Wind gusts during that stretch reached between 58 and 99 mph, triggering flooding, landslides, and debris flows across the region. More than 11,000 customers lost power during the event.
The path to federal relief began in April, when FEMA, the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, and local representatives conducted a joint preliminary damage assessment to document losses across the affected counties. That assessment confirmed damages exceeding $5.9 million, clearing the threshold needed to pursue a presidential declaration.
Gov. Brad Little welcomed the approval. “As North Idaho continues recovering from the devastating storm, this presidential disaster declaration marks an important next step,” he said.
The declaration activates the Public Assistance Program, which makes federal reimbursement available to government departments and certain private nonprofit organizations for eligible recovery costs. Ben Roeber, Bureau Chief for the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, said the declaration “will help eligible communities recover from these damages.”
Eligible entities have until July 30, 2026 to submit their applications for Public Assistance, giving affected local governments and qualifying nonprofits roughly 30 days to get paperwork in order.
For North Idaho communities, this declaration is a meaningful step forward. Kootenai and Bonner counties were among the hardest-hit areas, and local governments have been tracking repair costs since the storm passed. Federal reimbursement through the Public Assistance Program can cover costs like debris removal, emergency protective measures, and restoration of public infrastructure.
The March storm is separate from a more recent weather event that struck southwest Idaho on June 26 and 27. That storm affected Ada and Canyon counties, and residents in those areas are being encouraged to document and report their damages to the Idaho Office of Emergency Management at ioem.idaho.gov/report-damages. Whether that event will generate its own disaster declaration request has not been announced.
North Idaho’s economy depends heavily on functioning infrastructure and agriculture, and storm damage to roads, drainage systems, and public facilities can have ripple effects across multiple sectors. The region’s farmers and rural communities in particular rely on passable roads and intact irrigation and drainage infrastructure. North Idaho and Idaho farmers have already been pressing federal leaders on other fronts, including pushing the Senate to act on the long-delayed federal farm bill following House passage.
Local officials in Benewah, Bonner, and Kootenai counties should move quickly to confirm eligibility and complete their Public Assistance applications before the July 30 deadline. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is the primary point of contact for entities navigating the process.
More information on reporting damages and applying for federal assistance is available through the Idaho Office of Emergency Management.
North Idaho Republican Staff