BISMARCK, N.D. (July 12, 2017) – Gov. Doug Burgum today received notification that a presidential disaster declaration has been issued for the 10 counties and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Reservation that were affected by spring flooding.
This declaration triggers federal assistance of approximately $3.25 million as a preliminary assessment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover eligible costs incurred as a result of flooding and flood response in the affected communities. A more thorough inspection by FEMA will be conducted to document and reimburse actual costs. The grants are funded at 75 percent federal, 10 percent state, and 15 percent local cost share.
“This presidential declaration provides much-needed assistance that will offset the significant financial impact from widespread spring flooding in northern North Dakota,” Burgum said. “We are grateful for FEMA’s responsiveness and the overall federal support.”
The affected areas include Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, McHenry, Pembina, Pierce, Renville, Rolette, Towner and Walsh counties and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Reservation.
Above-normal snowfall and a protracted spring snowmelt season produced major overland and riverine flooding earlier this year, causing widespread damage to roads and other transportation infrastructure, isolating residents, inundating farms and ranchland, disrupting commerce and impeding farm operations.
The presidential declaration is in response to a June 5 letter from Burgum to President Trump, and is based on initial damage assessments by state and local officials totaling approximately $3.4 million.