Gov. Herbert Calling In Utah Nat’l Guard To Help With Windstorm Cleanup

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Gov. Gary Herbert said 200 service members of the Utah National Guard will be deployed on Friday to help with cleanup efforts in Weber, Davis, Cache and Salt Lake counties following Tuesday’s windstorm.

Herbert made the announcement Thursday afternoon during the state’s weekly coronavirus update.

“Part of the National Guard’s mission is to respond locally and statewide in support of government agencies for natural disasters, hazmat incidents, and civil emergencies,” Herbert said. “I’m extremely thankful for the Utah Guard and the valuable role they will play in helping the state clean up and move forward. We salute them and thank them for the continued support and service they have rendered to all Utahns.”

@UtahDOT Employees and members of my staff have spent this afternoon volunteering with cleanup efforts as well. pic.twitter.com/LLdfcAD2wf

— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) September 10, 2020

Crews from the governor’s office and Utah Department of Transportation helped with cleanup efforts in Rose Park Thursday.

Members of the Utah National Guard will “assist local and civil agencies with debris removal and community clean-up operations within the affected areas” through Sept. 14.

“The 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is highly trained in domestic-emergency-response operations, and has a history of excellence when it comes to responding to state emergencies,” said Col. Woodrow Miner, commander of the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. “They are very professional and always ready to perform their assigned missions and assist their communities.”

Herbert joined Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall in the neighborhood Wednesday to assess damages from Tuesday’s windstorm.

Almost 55,000 Utahns were without power as of 5 p.m. Thursday. The storm knocked out power for around 180,000 Rocky Mountain Power customers.

Crews from Nevada and Iowa reached Utah Thursday to help with restoration efforts.

Rocky Mountain Power said crews have been working around the clock to get the lights back on, and authorities said most customers should have power by Thursday evening.