BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today signed an executive order declaring a flood disaster for 10 counties and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Reservation in response to spring flooding across portions of northern North Dakota.
The declaration applies to Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, McHenry, Pembina, Pierce, Renville, Rolette, Towner and Walsh counties and the Turtle Mountain reservation, including the incorporated cities within those areas.
Above-normal snowfall and a protracted spring snowmelt season produced major overland and riverine flooding, causing widespread damage to roads and other transportation infrastructure, isolating residents, inundating farms and ranchland, disrupting commerce and impeding farm operations.
The disaster declaration is based on initial damage assessments by state and local officials totaling approximately $3.4 million. The state is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide a team to assist in conducting a preliminary damage assessment beginning next week for potential federal assistance to cover costs incurred as a result of flooding and flood response. If validated damages exceed the $1 million threshold, the governor can seek a presidential disaster declaration.
The executive order can be viewed here.