BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today requested a presidential major disaster declaration based on severe drought conditions that continue to plague farmers, ranchers and other residents across much of North Dakota.
The request, being sent to President Donald Trump through Nancy Dragani, acting regional administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, seeks to activate the Individual Assistance program and make Direct Federal Assistance available.
The governor also is asking for additional staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies to provide program expertise for those impacted by drought. A copy of the request can be viewed here.
“This request is based upon a severe drought that has adversely impacted state agribusinesses and producers, residents and the overall economy,” Burgum stated in the request. “During the spring and summer, continuous dry conditions over extended periods of record-breaking heat, well below average precipitation and wind have fueled frequent wildland fires, endangering the health and safety of our residents and the livelihood of our producers.”
Nearly 94 percent of the state is in some level of drought, directly affecting more than 425,000 residents. About 8 percent of the state is in exceptional drought.
During a drought town hall meeting Monday evening in Mott attended by more than 130 people, Burgum also unveiled a new NDResponse flier with a summary of assistance programs available to residents through various state and federal agencies. The flier can be viewed here.
For more information, visit www.ndresponse.gov.