News Releases for March 2006
March 30, 2006
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Hoeven Issues Flood Emergency Declaration, Meets With Red River Valley Officials
Governor Calls On Corps For Assistance In Fargo, Wahpeton
BISMARCK, N.D. – Governor John Hoeven today issued a flood emergency declaration for impacts resulting from the rapid snowmelt and rainfall events that continue to cause riverine and overland flooding along the Red River of the North and its tributaries. The declaration will activate state resources in support of preparedness and response efforts to mitigate damage from area flooding.
Hoeven and N.D. Division of Homeland Security Director Greg Wilz also met today with officials in communities along the Red River Valley. The meetings in Fargo, Grand Forks and Wahpeton focused on local preparedness planning efforts.
In addition, Hoeven has requested assistance from the St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Emergency Operations Program of Public Law 84-99. The request calls for the construction of an earthen dike in Fargo, with flood preparedness efforts in the city of Wahpeton. Additionally, Hoeven called for assistance in evaluating emergency response measures as floodwaters progress north through the basin.
"We are working to help communities plan and prepare," Hoeven said. "Because of the potential for flooding, we are also taking proactive steps with our emergency declaration to ensure that state agencies are ready to respond if necessary."
Hoeven said that the state's goal is to assist the communities and provide the additional resources they need to address potential flooding. The meetings included discussion of local preparedness planning efforts and information about the technical and equipment assistance the state can provide in support of local government.
The Grand Forks Office of the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for flooding along the Red River at Wahpeton and Fargo and along the Wild Rice River at Abercrombie. An analysis of the forecast indicates flood conditions along the Red River system are being exacerbated by warm temperatures and recent rainfall and thunderstorms. These conditions have caused rapid snowmelt and runoff over saturated ground, producing accelerated rises into the river network near Wahpeton.
The City of Fargo has already issued an emergency declaration. Cass and Richland counties are also in the process of issuing declarations to engage local resources.
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