President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration on Oct. 7, 2026, to provide federal assistance to Beaver and Piute counties following the 2026 Cottonwood Fire and subsequent flooding and mudslides. The declaration provides FEMA Public Assistance funding to help repair or replace public infrastructure damaged during the July 2026 weather events, which caused an estimated $47 million in eligible damages.
Infrastructure and Damage Assessment
The federal declaration addresses the aftermath of the June 2026 Cottonwood Fire and a period of severe flooding and mudslides that occurred between July 13 and July 24, 2026, according to FEMA. A joint damage assessment conducted by FEMA, the state, and local governments in the two affected counties identified at least $47 million in possible eligible damages.
Governor Spencer J. Cox noted that the rural communities were hit by a "one-two punch" this summer, facing a devastating wildfire followed by severe flooding and mudslides. Cox stated the damage has been enormous and that the cost of rebuilding is more than these communities can shoulder alone. He expressed gratitude to President Trump and federal partners for recognizing the need to help Utah recover.
Utilities and Water Systems
The damage to utility and water infrastructure has been extensive. Beaver City Power reported catastrophic damage to its hydroelectric system, specifically to its diversions, pipes, and buildings. This loss of power generation has forced Beaver City to purchase power while waiting for equipment restoration, a cost that adds to already strained local budgets.
Water systems also sustained significant damage. Culinary and agricultural watersheds and water sources were contaminated or damaged, leading to extended boil water or no water orders in several local communities. In some areas, drinking water had to be trucked in until systems could be cleared and tested. The damage to canyon water systems has also strained valley supplies, pushing pumps and ground aquifers beyond capacity and creating ongoing water management issues.
Transportation and Regional Impact
Transportation and regional connectivity have also been impacted by the disaster. Several roads remain closed, including Utah State Route 153, which serves as the primary road up Beaver Canyon and acts as an important connecting route between Beaver and Piute counties.
One of the most significant events during the flooding occurred on July 19, when a flash flood wave reached Interstate 15. The surge extended five to six miles west of Beaver and resulted in a complete 12-hour closure of the Interstate. This marks the first major disaster declaration for Utah since the statewide flooding occurred in 2023.
Federal Assistance and Recovery
Under the terms of the declaration, FEMA Public Assistance is a reimbursement program for emergency work and the repair or replacement of publicly owned disaster-damaged facilities and infrastructure. The program provides 75 percent of eligible costs for these projects.
James R. Stephenson has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. The Utah Department of Public Safety's Division of Emergency Management will work alongside FEMA and the counties to administer the funding. Additionally, the Division of Emergency Management will activate disaster recovery staff to provide applicant briefings and information to help eligible entities complete reimbursement applications.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Governor Cox stated on Oct. 8, 2026, that the state remains committed to seeing the recovery through for Beaver and Piute counties. FEMA noted that additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and if further assessments warrant the decision.
