Carbon County Commissioners agreed on Wednesday evening to declare a local emergency due to recent flooding in the area.
Helper City Council member Jason Llewelyn explained at a meeting with county officials that Helper had approved an emergency disaster declaration earlier that day. He stated that while the declaration does not directly provide money to those who have experienced flood damage, money could be saved by claiming the damage while filing federal taxes. The federal government can also assist cities and counties with upgrades that could help prevent future damage from floods.
There are many more reasons to document and report flood damage. In addition to tax write offs, documenting and reporting flood damage allows local agencies and volunteers to assist with clean up. According to commissioner Jae Potter, the volunteer work will be ongoing.
“Anyone that is willing to help, there is work to be done,” he explained.
Carbon County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tom Stefanoff also spoke at the meeting, giving updated information regarding the homes affected by Monday’s thunderstorms. According to Stefanoff, 138 homeowners have reported flood damage in Carbon County. Of those reports, an estimated $1.6 million has been reported in damages.
While flooding affected numerous homes, businesses and roads in Helper and Spring Glen, damage was also reported in Gordon Creek, Westwood, Kenilworth and homes near Wood Hill in Price. Nine Mile Canyon and Huntington Canyon also experienced negative effects from the thunderstorms.
Commissioners, Stefanoff and Llewelyn all emphasized the importance of reporting damage by calling (435) 472-HELP (4357) or by visiting https://www.carbon.utah.gov/ and clicking the “flood damage” link on the right hand side of the page.