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The Federal Emergency Management Agency is responding to flooding in six western states, including Montana.

FEMA officials say that two states, North Dakota and South Dakota, have major federal disaster declarations, while the third, Montana, is seeking a major disaster declaration.

A preliminary damage assessment was completed earlier this week in Montana which provides information to support the governor's request for federal disaster assistance.

The requested declaration involves 42 counties and six tribes in the Treasure State.

Montana Senator Jon Tester asked FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate about Montana's request for a presidential disaster declaration during a Thursday hearing in Washington DC and Fugate said FEMA is still working on the request and gathering information.

Montana's Congressional delegation also has urged FEMA to help repair the Huntley Project irrigation canal.

Congressman Denny Rehberg urged Fugate in a letter to provide assistance and on Wednesday, Senator Max Baucus convinced FEMA to include Huntely in a preliminary assessment that increased the chances for federal assistance.