Governor declares state of emergency for Yellowstone River fish kill
LIVINGSTON —Montana’s governor on Monday signed an executive order declaring the fish kill on the Yellowstone River earlier this month an emergency, a move that makes available millions of dollars for unemployment benefits and other labor programs.
The order frees up $15.4 million in emergency funds for workers and businesses affected by the river’s closure, accessible to them mostly through unemployment insurance, retraining programs and planning grants.
Patricia Dowd, a natural resource policy adviser for the governor, announced the order at a meeting here on Monday, where officials from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry tried to offer people guidance on how they could get help in this time where businesses built on the tourism economy are taking a major hit.
“The Yellowstone River is a key contributor to Montana’s tourism and outdoor recreation economy,” Dowd said.
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