Commissioners request disaster declaration from governor
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The torrential rain and flash flooding from September's storm severely damaged homes and businesses across the valley. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- The torrential rain and flash flooding from September's storm severely damaged homes and businesses across the valley.
"It changed everyone's lives, there is a different feeling in the district right now," Asm. Maggie Carlton said.
At the county commissioner's meeting Tuesday, commissioners learned the flooding caused $2.6 million worth of damage and that's just to public property. Commissioners have asked the governor to declare a state of disaster to help with clean up cost. "The devastation that was done may have been smaller in scale that what we had in the '98 and '99 year," Commissioner Chris Giunchigliane said. "No matter what it has affected families and small businesses across this valley." Small businesses like the shops at the Promenade near UNLV where water completely gutted the insides. The disaster declaration could help businesses qualify for loans. Michael Stone said he used his own money to replace what is damaged at his tattoo shop. "Every little bit helps," Stone said. "Especially when your county is supporting you it's nice to hear that." As for the homes hit hard in the flood, Commissioners said home owners may have a hard time getting the help they need. "The sad part about a declaration though it really does not help those homeowners," Commissioner Chris Giunchigliane said. "If they weren't in the flood area and they didn't have flood insurance this doesn't go back to paying them." Even though home owners won't see a check from the disaster declaration they could get help down the line. If the governor grants the declaration, the state will help the county assess all the damages. At that point, home owners could get help from the federal government.
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