Idaho County officials have approved a disaster declaration for the town of White Bird so it can apply for emergency state funding after losing its water wells.
The wells stopped working late last month, causing county commissioners to approve the declaration on Tuesday. Town officials say a cause has not been determined for why the wells suddenly quit functioning, though seismic activity may have contributed to the loss.
White Bird declared a state of emergency, and it began providing water resources to residents at what officials say is an unsustainable cost.
The town has applied for emergency funding from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development agency has committed to helping. (AP)
