This Video shot by Amanda De Alvarez shows flooding at 5th Avenue West. It has been viewed over 70,000 times in recent days on SweetwaterNOW.com
SWEETWATER COUNTY — Judy Roderick, the Coordinator of Sweetwater County Emergency Management / Homeland Security, today issued a statement concerning the recent flooding in Sweetwater County.
“Over a month ago, beginning in late May and extending into early June, Niobrara and Johnson Counties sustained damage from heavy flooding that ran into the millions of dollars. As documented by the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, 14 homes were destroyed, 50 sustained major damage, 95 had minor damage, and 17 experienced some damage. 12 businesses and non-profit organizations had major damage and 48 sustained minor damage.
“Due to the high level of damage, assessed in monetary terms, a federal disaster declaration was made regarding Niobrara and Johnson Counties.
“There have been a number of inquiries addressed to local government officials concerning why Sweetwater County was not included in this, the Niobrara and Johnson County, declaration.
“First of all, the flash flooding in Sweetwater County took place on July 6th and 7th, more than a month after the problems occurred in Niobrara and Johnson Counties and hundreds of miles away.
“Second, Sweetwater County cannot apply for a federal declaration unless losses of at least $1 million can be documented. While the figures for the damage incurred in Sweetwater County are still being tabulated, it is not anticipated that the $1 million mark will be reached.
“Sweetwater County Emergency Management continues to be in regular contact with Guy Cameron, Director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, who has been apprised of the conditions in Sweetwater County resulting from the flooding of July 6th and 7th.
“In order to compile all the relevant data for the flooding on July 6th and 7th, as well as to help us mitigate against and be better prepared for future events, Sweetwater County Emergency Management is asking for assistance in documenting the areas that were affected.
