County asks governor for disaster relief for flood damage

Clark County commissioners are asking Gov. Brian Sandoval for disaster relief after recent record floods caused an estimated $2.6 million in damage to government property.

The measure passed unanimously Tuesday and, if approved by Sandoval and the federal government, would provide help to government agencies and low-cost loans to businesses damaged in the Aug. 22 and Sept. 11 floods.

Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani noted that the money would not go to help homeowners who didn't have flood insurance. The county estimates that more than 30 homes and small businesses were damaged to the point they cannott be occupied until they are repaired.

A spokeswoman for Sandoval said last week that "the state stands ready to assist Clark County should they declare an emergency."

But county Fire Chief Bertral Washington said Tuesday that the state only has about $500,000 available to help with disaster relief.

To unlock federal relief money, officials have to show the floods caused at least $6.6 million in damage to government and private property, he said.

County officials said they think estimates will exceed that amount, but that estimate would be made by state and federal inspectors.

Both storms dropped record rain, causing flooding that killed two people.

On Aug. 22, more than 1½ inches of rain fell in a one-hour span in Henderson.

And on Sept. 11, a county Regional Flood Control District rain gauge in Summerlin collected 2 inches of rain over a three-hour span.

Contact reporter Lawrence Mower at lmower@reviewjournal.com or 702-405-9781.