News Releases for July 2005
July 1, 2005
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration For 20 Counties, Two Reservations
Executive Order 2005-04 
(145 pdf)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today asked President Bush to issue a federal presidential disaster declaration in 20 North Dakota counties and two Indian reservations for damages to public infrastructure from recent severe storms and flooding. Additional areas could be included in a Presidential Disaster Declaration pending additional preliminary damage assesments.
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 these teams show losses of more than $13 million in FEMA eligible damage to power utilities, roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure.
Counties and tribal lands included in the Governor's presidential disaster request are: Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, Dickey, Grand Forks, Griggs, Kidder, LaMoure, McHenry, Nelson, Pierce, Ramsey, Richland, Sargent, Stark, Sioux, Steele, Traill, Walsh and Ward counties, along with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and Standing Rock Sioux tribal reservations.
"We are asking President Bush to recognize the significant local and state efforts in dealing with recent storm and flood damage, and assist us as we move forward," Hoeven said. "At this point, we need additional resources to help ensure communities needing assistance can focus on recovering from significant damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure."
If the President declares the impacted areas 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 also requested assessments from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials for potential Individual Assistance programs, but damages do not meet levels to trigger federal assistance. However, Hoeven has directed the N.D. Division of Homeland Security Director Susan Reinertson to identify sources of state and local assistance for residents.
"We did not have the numbers required to meet federal eligibility criteria, and yet families that had damage to their homes still face real difficulty," Hoeven said. "We are working to provide alternatives to federal resources to help individual citizens who suffered significant damage. The Bank of North Dakota's low interest loan program for homeowners, farmers and business owners is one example."
Individuals who have unmet needs should notify 2-1-1, a service line for referral assistance. The 2-1-1 service provides information referral and crisis management services in North Dakota. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help individuals locate assistance.
If approved by the President, the disaster declaration will open access to the FEMA Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs. State officials continue to assess losses and explore all avenues for assistance for unmet needs in cooperation with the members of the N.D. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). Hoeven expects a decision on the request by mid-July.
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