UPDATE: These jurisdictions are issuing disaster declarations
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Various local governments in east Idaho are declaring emergencies. These declarations allow them access to state and federal resources in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll keep this list updated. (Story first published March 18.)
RELATED | Idaho governor declares a state of emergency due to COVID-19
Ammon
Mayor Sean Coletti signed a Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency, the city announced March 20.
“Ammon is ready for COVID-19. I am confident and believe in our city, its residents, businesses, and city employees and emergency responders,” Coletti said. “This declaration is not a cause for panic. It is important that we continue to follow recommended practices of social distancing, but also that we continue to help our neighbors and look out for one another as a community.”
Like other jurisdictions, Ammon officials want the public to know emergency services will still respond in a timely manner.
Ashton
Mayor Tom Mattingly issued an emergency declaration for the city March 19. Find more details on the city website.
Bannock County
The county has declared an emergency, according to the city of Pocatello, but no details have been released yet.
Bonneville County
Bonneville County commissioners issued a 30-day disaster declaration beginning March 20.
“A disaster declaration is a tool in responding to COVID-19 – it does not mean that the county is unprepared or unable to take the necessary steps to protect residents of Bonneville County,” according to a news release. “The disaster declaration will serve as an additional tool for Bonneville County, the six incorporated cities and other political subdivisions’ officials to respond to COVID-19 and the associated risks.”
The county assures residents emergency services will still respond promptly.
Idaho Falls
“A declaration of emergency is not a reflection on the state of readiness or ability to respond to everyday needs, it is just another way that we are being proactive to respond to this situation,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper of the declaration on March 18, which was expected to be ratified by the City Council at an upcoming meeting. “As we progress in our community response efforts, this is simply a tool to access funding and other resources that may be made available from state and federal levels that we wouldn’t normally have access to.”
Click here for more on the Idaho Falls declaration.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County commissioners declared an emergency March 18.
“Members of the general public (excepting employees) are encouraged to stay away from the Jefferson County Courthouse or any other building owned by Jefferson County, except on an as-needed basis,” the commissioners said in a statement.
As a result, the county is urging the public to do business with the county remotely when possible. (Other government entities are also urging this.) More details on accessing Jefferson County services can be found on its website.
Pocatello
The Pocatello City Council adopted an emergency declaration March 19.
“The resolution activates the response of any and all applicable local or intergovernmental disaster emergency plans and authorizes the furnishing of aid and assistance” and comes after Bannock County adopted its own disaster declaration, according to a news release.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
The Fort Hall Business Council declared a state of emergency for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes on March 17. That same day, the tribal Office of Emergency Management Operation Center was activated to coordinate resources across the reservation and work with the state and local tribe officials “in alleviating the impacts to people, property, and infrastructure, and is assessing the magnitude and long-term effects of the incident.”