News Releases for April 2004
April 20, 2004
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Hoeven Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration For 10 Counties, One Reservation
Flood Proclamation 
(68 kb pdf)
Flood Executive Order (68 kb pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today asked President Bush to issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration for flooding that began on March 26 in 10 North Dakota counties and one Indian reservation. The Governor’s request follows completion of a preliminary damage assessment (PDA) by federal, state, local and tribal officials, which is a prerequisite to the presidential request. Statewide estimates of damage compiled by joint local, state and federal PDA teams show losses of nearly $4 million to public infrastructure.
Counties and tribal lands included in the Governor’s Presidential Disaster Request are: Benson, Cavalier, Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Steele, Traill, Walsh and the Spirit Lake Nation.
“We are asking President Bush to recognize the significant efforts made by state and local officials and individual citizens in dealing with floods, and assist us as we move forward,” Hoeven said. “At this point, we need additional resources to address significant damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure.”
If the President declares the area a disaster, local governments could receive federal grants to cover 75 percent of the public property damages. State and local governments must absorb the remaining 25 percent.
Hoeven has also pressed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials for Individual Assistant programs, but the agency determined that damages from this year’s event do not qualify. Consequently, Hoeven directed DEM Director Doug Friez to identify sources of state and local assistance for residents.
“While the number of households affected by flooding this year is smaller than in previous years, families that had damage to their homes still face real difficulty,” Hoeven said. “We are working to do all we can to help individual citizens who suffered flood damage.”
The North Dakota Department of Commerce, Division of Community Services (DCS); the Department of Human Services; and the Department of Health all have programs that may be of assistance. For example, the DCS Emergency Furnace Assistance program can provide up to $500 toward the cost of an energy efficient furnace if the household furnace was damaged by floodwater. In addition, Hoeven asked the Division of Community Services to prioritize their housing programs to address unmet needs, including damage to electric panels, wiring and other essential items.
Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster (VOAD), a group of volunteer, non-profit organizations, can also provide individual assistance.
According state Emergency Management Director Doug Friez, “During the flooding, homeowners, neighbors, friends, volunteer agencies and local first responders heroically helped to protect homes against the flooding. The response prevented some of the damages, but not all, so we will continue to pursue non-federal means of assistance.”
It is important that individuals who have unmet needs notify their county emergency manager of damages that occurred to their homes as a result of the flooding.
If approved by the President, the disaster declaration will open access to the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant and Public Assistance programs and may help access Federal Highway Assistance funds. Officials will continue to assess losses and explore all avenues for assistance. Hoeven expects a decision on the request by about mid-May.
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