Public Notices for the City of Belt
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: July 17, 2025
Public Notice of the Submittal of a Floodplain Application to the Town of Belt submitted by Jana McCoy
Per the requirements of the Town of Belt Floodplain Regulations, the Town is providing public notice that Jana McCoy has conducted work within the floodplain in the Belt. The applicant has completed a carport that is attached to the existing carport and both structures share an attached roof. The existing carport is not attached to the residential structure and does not appear to have any electricity. This project was reviewed for a substantial improvement of a structure within the Regulated Floodplain. The project has been determined not to be a substantial improvement; however, a floodplain permit is required for the work. The project is located within Zone AE, Flood Fringe of the FEMA-mapped floodplain.
The project is located at 100 2nd Ave. South, Belt, Montana 59412. The project is located on the Belt Original Townsite, S26, T19 N, R06 E, BLOCK 012, LOTS 1-4.
Notice will also be posted on the Flag pole on Bridge and Castner Streets where the posting kiosk used to be at the city’s parking lot, the window of City Hall, the Belt Post Office & the www.cityofbelt.org website.
For more information on this proposed floodplain application, contact the Assistant Floodplain Administrator, Rolf Johnson, at 406-285-1502 or via email at: fpa@cityofbelt.org
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: July 1, 2025
Public Notice of the Submittal of a Floodplain Application to the Town of Belt submitted by James Kendall
Per the requirements of the Town of Belt Floodplain Regulations, the Town is providing public notice that James Kendall has placed a 336-square-foot non-residential storage shed for storage of non-flammable and non-toxic materials within the FEMA-regulated floodplain in the Town of Belt. A floodplain permit is required for the work, and the structure is to be floodproofed using FEMA-certified flood vents and proper anchoring. The project is located within Zone AE, Flood Fringe of the FEMA-mapped floodplain.
The project is located at 111 4th Ave. South, Belt, Montana 59412. The project is located in BELT ORIGINAL TOWNSITE, S26, T19 N, R06 E, BLOCK 013, LTS 33-40, Cascade County, MT.
For more information on this proposed floodplain application, contact the Town's Floodplain Administrative Assistant, Rolf Johnson, at 406-285-1502 or via email at: fpa@cityofbelt.org.
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report View & download PDF.
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: June 27, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
Annual CCR Water Quality Report is available at City Hall and has been mailed to users of the system; call (406) 277-3621 for more information. — 27 June 2025
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report City of Belt PWSID#MT0000138 #70 Castner Street Belt, MT 59412
We’re very pleased to provide you with the annual Water Quality Report. We want to keep you informed about the excellent water and services we have delivered to you over the past year. Our goal is and always has been, to provide to you a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Our water source is 2 wells from the Madison aquifer.
We’re pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets federal and state requirements.
f you have any questions about this report or concerning your water, please contact Lynn Schilling at 406-277-3621. You may also attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings. They are held on the first and third Wednesday of every month.
The City of Belt routinely monitors for constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The following table shows the results of any detects in our monitoring for the period of January 1st to December 31st, 2024. For constituents that are not monitored yearly, we have reviewed our records back to the last time the constituent was monitored
In the tables above and below you will find many terms and abbreviations you might not be familiar with. To help you better understand these terms we've provided the following definitions:
Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter (ug/l) - one part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2000 years or a single penny in $10,000,000.
Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/l) - one part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.
Action Level - the concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements, which a water system must follow.
Treatment Technique (TT) - A treatment technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. Maximum Contaminant Level - The “Maximum Allowed” (MCL) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - The “Goal” (MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL)-The Highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Detection Limit Goal or MRDLG-The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Picocuries per liter (pCi/L)-picocuries per liter is a measure of the radioactivity in water. Level 1 Assessment- A
Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
Level 2 Assessment- A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Violations: Our system failed to collect follow-up samples within 24 hours of learning of the total coliformpositive sample. This was for the 09/11/24 to 09/17/24 period. These needed to be tested for fecal indicators from all sources that were being used at the time the positive sample was collected. The water system failed to monitor for triggered source water sample as required so the violation is still outstanding.
The Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) seeks to prevent waterborne diseases caused by E. coli. E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely-compromised immune systems. Our system failed to test our drinking water for the contaminant and period of 10/01/24 to 10/31/24 indicated. Because of this failure, we cannot be sure of the quality of our drinking water during the period indicated. Our system returned to compliance when the required number of routine total coliform samples were collected and reported to the MT DEQ on 11/14/24.
Total Coliform: Total Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Our system had 1 positive total coliform bacteria in the month of September. We were required to take 5 (five) follow-up samples. The follow up samples did not indicate any total coliform. The positive was attributed to sampling error.
Nitrates: As a precaution we always notify physicians and health care providers in this area if there is ever a higher than normal level of nitrates in the water supply.
Copper: Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s Disease should consult their personal doctor.
Uranium: Some people who drink water containing uranium in excess of the MCL over many years have an increased risk of getting cancer and kidney toxicity
Fluoride: Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of the MCL over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Fluoride in drinking water at half the MCL or more may cause mottling of children’s teeth, usually in children less than nine years old. Mottling also known as dental fluorosis, may include brown staining and/or pitting of the teeth, and occurs only in developing teeth before they erupt from the gums. Lead: Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
Lead: Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
Combined Radium: Some people who drink water containing Radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
If present, elevated levels of Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The city of Belt is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about the lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
We’re proud that your drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements. We have learned through our monitoring and testing that some constituents have been detected. The EPA has determined that your water IS SAFE at these levels.
All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
MCL’s are set at very stringent levels. To understand the possible health effects described for many regulated constituents, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of having the described health effect.
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised people such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
We ask that all our customers help us protect our water sources, which are the heart of our community, our way of life and our children’s future.
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: June 25, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
WATER BOIL ADVISORY IS RESCINDED — 25 June 2025
Water system sanitation tests were taken on Monday, 23 June. Results received today, Wednesday, 25 June 2025 confirm the water is safe to drink without boiling first.
Further questions, please call City Hall (406) 277-3621
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: June 19, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
Public Notice of the Submittal of a Floodplain Application to the Town of Belt
submitted by Barbara Winder.
Per the requirements of the Town of Belt Floodplain Regulations, the Town is providing public notice that Barbara Winder has conducted work within the floodplain in the Belt.
The applicant has completed a new retaining wall and fence that replaced an old, deteriorated wall and a fence located on top of the wall. The new wall appears to be the same size as the old wall and will have no negative impacts or changes to the floodplain. The fence was deemed to be above the BFE by the floodplain administrator, therefore the fence appears to be within compliance.
The project has been determined be in compliance with the Town of Belt’s floodplain regulations and that a floodplain permit is required for the work. The project is located within Zone AE, Flood Fringe of the FEMA-mapped floodplain.
The project is located at 116 2nd Ave S, Belt, Montana 59412. The project is located on BELT ORIGINAL TOWNSITE, S26, T19 N, R06 E, BLOCK 012, Lot 009, LTS 9-11 LT 11, 4828300.
For more information on this proposed floodplain application, contact the Town's Floodplain Administrator, Mayor James Olson, at 406-277-3621 or via email at: james.olson15@yahoo.com
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: June 19, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
Public Notice of the Submittal of a Floodplain Application to the Town of Belt
submitted by Barbara Winder.
Per the requirements of the Town of Belt Floodplain Regulations, the Town is providing public notice that Barbara Winder has conducted work within the floodplain in the Belt.
The applicant has completed a new retaining wall that replaced an old, deteriorated wall. The new wall appears to be the same size as the old wall and will have no negative impacts or changes to the floodplain. The new wall was deemed to be above the BFE by the floodplain administrator, therefore the wall appears to be within compliance.
The project has been determined be in compliance with the Town of Belt’s floodplain regulations and that a floodplain permit is required for the work. The project is located within Zone AE, Flood Fringe of the FEMA-mapped floodplain.
The project is located at 122 2nd Ave S, Belt, Montana 59412. The project is located on ORIGINAL TOWNSITE, S26, T19 N, R06 E, BLOCK 012, Lot 012, LT 12 & W10' LT 13.
For more information on this proposed floodplain application, contact the Town's Floodplain Administrator, Mayor James Olson, at 406-277-3621 or via email at: james.olson15@yahoo.com
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PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: June 18, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
WATER OUTAGE - WED 18 JUN 2025
The town lost water overnight due a second Water Pump failure.
Restored water is anticipated for this evening; exact time is be to be determined. Updates to follow as known.
The city is working to provide a water truck for residential needs. Updates to follow as known.
Please conserve water for personal use and do not run your lawn sprinkler systems today.
Please share this information with your neighbors. The city will make postings in town.
MORE DETAILS ON THE ISSUE:
The Pump at Well House #1 (Castner Park area) has stopped working. This is in addition to the Pump at Well House #2 (burn pile area) that went bad in April, earlier this year.
Coincidently and fortunately, the Replacement Pump for Well House #2 is being installed today. This requires pulling 800' of pipe to access and crane up the pump from the Madison Aquifer. It's anticipated, if all goes smoothly, this work can be completed by late afternoon/early evening.
For clarity, the pump issues are unrelated to the Water Main Project.
For questions:
City Hall: (406) 277-3621
Mayor Olson: (406) 277-4449
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: June 2, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
WATER RATE INCREASE AND PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 21, 2025, the Town Council (the “Council”)
of the Town of Belt, Montana, also known as City of Belt (the “Town”), adopted a Resolution of
Intention of the Town of Belt, Montana to Increase the Rates for the Users of the Municipal
Water System.
The Town presently has water system revenue bonds outstanding and intends to issue
additional series of water system revenue bonds. It is necessary for the Town to increase its
water rates in order to pay and provide for the water system revenue bonds, to pay the costs
associated with the operation and maintenance of the water system (the “System”) and to
establish appropriate reserves.
Effective as of the July 1, 2025 water billing, the Town proposes to increase the monthly
water rates by 28.57% per classification as shown below.
|
Rate Code |
Rate Classification |
|
New Rate |
Amount of Increase |
|
R-1 |
Single Family Home - In Town |
|
$ 54.00 |
$ 12.00 |
|
R-2 |
Residential Apartment - Per Unit |
|
$ 54.00 |
$ 12.00 |
|
R-2 |
Residential Apartment - Per Unit (8 plex) |
|
$ 47.25 |
$ 10.50 |
|
R-3 |
Yard Hydrant |
|
$ 18.00 |
$ 4.00 |
|
R-4 |
Single Family Home - Out of Town |
|
$ 81.00 |
$ 18.00 |
|
C-1 |
Commercial - Per Building w/ Facilities |
|
$ 59.14 |
$ 13.14 |
|
C-2 |
Commercial - Bar with Food Service |
|
$ 90.00 |
$ 20.00 |
|
C-3 |
Commercial - High Consumption |
|
$ 178.71 |
$ 39.71 |
|
I-1 |
Institutional - No Overnight Occupancy |
|
$ 771.42 |
$ 171.42 |
|
I-2 |
Institutional - Overnight Occupancy |
|
$ 872.99 |
$ 193.99 |
|
PWU |
Potential Water Use |
|
$ 18.00 |
$ 4.00 |
A public hearing on the proposed rate increase will be held June 18, 2025, commencing
at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall, 70 Castner Street, in Belt, Montana.
Further information about the proposed rate increase may be obtained by contacting Ms.
Lynn Schilling, Town Clerk-Treasurer, Town of Belt, P.O. Box 453, Belt, Montana 59412 or
phone (406) 277-3621.
Done by Order of the Town Council of the Town of Belt, Montana, this 21st day of May,
2025.
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: June 2, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
Public Notice of the Submittal of a Floodplain Application to the Town of Belt
submitted by Noel Osterman.
Per the requirements of the Town of Belt Floodplain Regulations, the Town is providing public notice that Noel Osterman has conducted work within the floodplain in the Belt. The applicant has completed a home improvement project (new covered deck with three steps to provide entrance to the house, the deck will be 12 feet wide and extend 10 feet from the exterior of the house) that was reviewed for a substantial improvement of a structure within the Regulated Floodplain. The project has been determined not to be a substantial improvement; however, a floodplain permit is required for the work. The project is located within Zone AE, Flood Fringe of the FEMA-mapped floodplain.
The project is located at 17 Valley Drive, Belt, Montana 59412. The project is located on the Belt Original Townsite, Section 23, Township 19 North, Range 6 East, MK 4B., Cascade County, MT.
If you have questions please contact the Town's
Mayor James Olson, at 406-277-3621 or via email at:
james.olson15@yahoo.com
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: May 25, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
Please, make sure your grass and
weeds are cut to 6” or less
FINES AND LIENS APPLY TO PROPERTIES THAT ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE
Do your part to make Belt beautiful and to
mitigate fire threat and the propagation of weeds.
If you have questions please contact the Town's
Mayor James Olson, at 406-277-3621 or via email at:
james.olson15@yahoo.com
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: April 30, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
Public Notice of the Submittal of a Floodplain Application to the Town of Belt
submitted by Brent and Angela Young.
Per the requirements of the Town of Belt Floodplain Regulations, the Town is providing
public notice that Brent and Angela Young have placed a 120-square-foot non-
residential storage shed for storage of non-flammable and non-toxic materials within the
FEMA-regulated floodplain in the Town of Belt.
A floodplain permit is required for the
work, and the structure is to be floodproofed using FEMA-certified flood vents and
proper anchoring.
The project is located within Zone AE, Flood Fringe of the FEMA-
mapped floodplain.
The project is located at 102 Main Street, Belt, Montana 59412. The project is located
on Lots 7-9, Block 9 of the Belt Original Townsite, Section 26, Township 19 North,
Range 6 East, P.M.M., Cascade County, MT.
For more information on this proposed floodplain application, contact the Town's
Floodplain Administrator, Mayor James Olson, at 406-277-3621 or via email at:
james.olson15@yahoo.com
PUBLIC NOTICE
DATE: April 30, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
Public Notice of the Submittal of a Floodplain Application to the Town of Belt
submitted by Mike Rittenhouse
Per the requirements of the Town of Belt Floodplain Regulations, the Town is providing
public notice that Mike Rittenhouse has conducted work within the floodplain in the Belt.
The applicant has completed home improvement projects that were reviewed for a
substantial improvement of a pre-FIRM structure within the Regulated Floodplain. The
project has been determined not to be a substantial improvement; however, a floodplain
permit is required for the work.
The project is located within Zone AE, Flood Fringe of
the FEMA-mapped floodplain.
The project is located at 112 1st Ave S, Belt, Montana 59412. The project is located on
Lot 7, Block 9 of the Belt Original Townsite, Section 26, Township 19 North, Range 6
East, P.M.M., Cascade County, MT.
For more information on this proposed floodplain application, contact the Town's
Floodplain Administrator, Mayor James Olson, at 406-277-3621 or via email at:
james.olson15@yahoo.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 21, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor
Belt’s 2025 Water Project Schedule.
Belt, Mont - During the 2025 Spring/Summer City Water Project, the contractor attempts to notify homes that will be affected with scheduled shutoffs.
Phasse - 1: 4/14/25 - 5/2/25
Phase 2: 5/5/25 - 5/23/25
Phase 3: 5/26/25 - 6/13/25
Phase 4: 6/16/25 - 6/27/25
Phase 5: 6/30/25 - 8/1/25 *holiday break for July 4th
Phase 6: 8/4/25 - 8/22/2
Due to the age and limitations of our current system, we have experienced a few emergency shut offs that have affected a larger number of homes than were originally planned. If you find your water shut off, consider opening a faucet or two to allow air to pass through the pipes when the water comes back on.
If you have questions, please call 406-259-3741.
NFIP 2025 Notice View & download Belt Community Compliance Letter PDF
Press Release: City of Belt Removed from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Probation View & download Press Release: City of Belt Removed from FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Probation PDF
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The Town of Belt has four positions that will be up for election this year, the Mayor and three Aldermen (City Council Members), one each from each of the three Wards in Belt.
In Belt, City Council members are referred to as Aldermen. There are six Aldermen in Belt, two from each Ward, so half of the Alderman positions are up for election this November. The other three Alderman positions are up for election in two years, or 2027.
The staggering of the elections for Aldermen ensures there are always experiences Aldermen on the City Council. All of the terms are 4 year terms, beginning 1 January 2026.
Applicants can register for the positions now at the Cascade County Election Office at the Cascade County Courthouse Annex in Great Falls.
To be eligible for the Office of Mayor, Montana Code Annotated, Part 43 7-4-4301 stipulates the qualifications for Mayor:
(1) A person is not eligible for the office of mayor unless the
person:
(a) Is a t least 21 years old;
(b) Has been a resident of the State for at least 3 years; and
(c) Has been a resident for at least 2 years preceding the election to the office of the city or town, or an area that has been annexed by the city or town.
To be eligible for the Office of Alderman Montana Code Annotated, Part 44 7-4-4401 stipulates the qualifications for city council members. A person is not eligible for the office of city council member unless the person is a resident for at least 60 days presenting the election to the office of the ward electing the person, or Alf an area that has been annexed by the city or town and
placed in the ward.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 16, 2025
Contact: James Olson, Mayor / Floodplain Administrator
Ph. 406.277.3621 | bch@3rivers.net
Belt’s Flood Risk and Participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Belt, Mont - On March 14, 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notified the City of Belt that its probation status with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has been lifted. As a result, Belt is no longer on NFIP probation and Belt residents with flood insurance policies should see a slight reduction in premiums.
It is not easy for Montana communities to administer and enforce local flood programs. It takes resources such as labor, time, diligence, and cooperation. FEMA and the State of Montana Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) Floodplain program can assist towns and their property owners through the “Community Assistance Program (CAP)”.
Traci Sears leads the CAP team as the State NFIP Coordinator. She acknowledged Belt’s turn-around and said, “Belt’s leadership was willing to tackle the issues head on. Permitting, compliance, and enforcement are the hardest parts of a floodplain program and Belt is to be commended for its willingness to step up and administer its program.”
According to FEMA’s Floodsmart.gov website, the NFIP aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures by providing affordable flood insurance options and encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. The regulations outline how to build structures and projects to account for flood risk to decrease adverse impacts and lessen economic damage. Belt’s floodplain regulations are on file for public review at City Hall.
The City of Belt sent out letters to educate property owners about floodplain and permitting requirements. Sears said, “It’s not easy to send a letter to a neighbor about compliance when you are a local floodplain administrator, but if you send it from an education and outreach standpoint, property owners understand what they can and can’t build in the floodplain. At the very least, they can learn how to build it, so a structure is compliant with the regulations”.
FEMA first warned Belt about several floodplain program deficiencies in 2022, however Belt struggled to find the resources to address the issues and on Jan. 27, 2023, FEMA officially placed Belt on probation due to its failure to administer its local floodplain program.
The DNRC Floodplain program worked closely with the City of Belt’s Mayor, Jim Olson, throughout 2024. Last fall Belt took major steps by hiring a floodplain consultant thorough Great West Engineering, to help them. The City Aldermen also participated in floodplain training and a floodplain committee was organized. Local citizen, Rolf Johnson, stepped up to join the committee and facilitate communication between property owners and FEMA. Johnson sent weekly reports to FEMA about Belt’s efforts to administer its floodplain program and progress on tasks identified in its “Corrective Action Plan”.
Sears noted, “This was essential. Belt needed to demonstrate it was administering its floodplain program and making progress to address compliance issues.” Rolf Johnson added, “I want to thank the citizens of Belt. It’s a lot of work so getting off probation is huge.”
FEMA’s guidelines mandate flood insurance policy holders pay a $50 surcharge when their community is placed on probation. Belt’s policy holders will no longer pay this fee.
Sears said, “this is just a positive step in the right direction”. The City must continue to enforce its floodplain rules and regulations, follow its adopted floodplain ordinance, and educate its property owners located in the regulatory floodplain about the need for approval and permitting prior to projects being started. Mayor Jim Olson has noticed most of the property owners want to comply, it’s just a matter of helping them understand what is needed.
Many of Belt’s businesses and residential structures are built adjacent to the main channel of Belt Creek. Over the years embankments and levees have also been constructed. However, studies by the US Army Corps of Engineers (1954 and 2023) and FEMA’s Flood Insurance Study (2013) show Belt Creek will overflow its banks in several places and the protective measures are not sufficient to contain 100-year events (1% annual chance). Major floods occurred in 1908, 1953, and 1981. The 1981 flood was a 100-year event and caused significant economic damage in Belt. Ground water flooding also occurred in 2010 and 2011.
Belt joined the NFIP on December 5, 1979, to address its flood risk. Participation in the NFIP offers flood risk options such as flood insurance and disaster assistance. Building in accordance with flood hazard regulations (i.e.. elevating structures) is another option to reduce flood risk.
To see your property’s flood risk zone or if it is in the floodplain, go to FEMA’s Map Service Center, www. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home and enter your address.
For more information on Belt’s floodplain program or get a permit application, visit: https://cityofbelt.org/City-of-Belt-Permits/
Belt’s Floodplain Maps or Floodplain Ordinance/Regulations can be viewed at City Hall.
For questions or additional information, contact Mayor James Olson, Floodplain Administrator at Ph. 406.277.3621 or email: bch@3rivers.net.
See additional information on State of Montana DNRC Floodplain website, mtfloodplain.mt.gov. Or contact Traci Sears, State NFIP Coordinator at 406-444-6654 or email: tsears@mt.gov.