Montana Governor Seeks Federal Assistance for Hail Damage

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has requested a national disaster designation for agriculture damage from a hail storm in Gallatin County this month.

Bullock sent the request to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Tuesday, saying the Aug. 1 storm caused at least $44 million in damage to crops.

It also damaged equipment, vehicles, structures and storage facilities.

Gallatin County commissioners on Monday asked Bullock to seek the declaration, which would authorize federal assistance to help the area recover from the damage.