John Hoeven: Governor of North Dakota

News Releases for August 2007

August 31, 2007
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office

Hoeven Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration
Announces Action Plan For Additional Northwood Assistance

Disaster Assistance Flow (16kb pdf)

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration following the completion of a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He announced the request in Northwood today, as well as an action plan for additional assistance to Northwood residents impacted by the recent tornado.

Initial assessments of damages to the community indicate that about 90 percent of residents have private insurance coverage on their homes. Public buildings, such as the school and fire hall, were insured under the state Fire and Tornado Fund. Also, the indication at this point is that the businesses in the community are insured.

To cover the gap and to help with public infrastructure, at Hoeven’s request, FEMA officials, along with local and state officials, conducted a damage assessment for the City of Northwood. The Governor used the results of this assessment to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public and Individual Assistance to the community. Also, the Governor requested assistance from the federal Small Business Administration to make low-interest, long-term loans available to qualifying individuals, homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations that have been impacted by the disaster.

Because of the high level of insurance in the community, Northwood residents may not qualify for FEMA individual assistance, in which case the state will work to address additional needs through the state Unmet Needs Program and state administered Community Development Block Grant funds.

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and other unmet needs agencies are on site helping with immediate needs. In addition, Hoeven directed that a state One Stop Service Center be set up in the community by Wednesday.

Help For Individuals

A number of state and federal programs are available for individuals who have no private insurance, or who are under-insured:

• If approved, FEMA Individual Assistance Grants would provide individuals funding for temporary housing, home repairs, home replacement and permanent housing construction.
• The SBA will provide homeowners with low-interest loans at approximately 3.1 percent to help cover their uninsured losses.
• The Governor has directed the North Dakota Division of Community Services to provide up to $1 million in supplementary assistance for uninsured or underinsured individuals for housing rehabilitation or replacement.
• USDA will provide low interest loans, loan guarantees and grants for housing construction and repairs.
• The North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs offers grants and loans for veterans.
• The Department of Human Services has provided counselors for affected residents, and is replacing food stamp benefits for program participants affected by the recent tornado.
• The North Dakota Housing and Finance Agency will postpone mortgage payments for up to 90 days for impacted homeowners and provide an inventory of available housing in the area.
• Job Service North Dakota is on scene enrolling residents whose workplace is not operational with unemployment insurance.

Help For Public Infrastructure

Assistance for electric grids, roads, bridges and other public facilities is available through a number of federal and state programs:

• A Presidential Disaster Declaration – The PDA indicates that Northwood has incurred approximately $1.5 million in damage to its public infrastructure, 85 percent of which will be covered by state and federal sources.
• The North Dakota State Fire and Tornado Fund will cover nearly the entire cost to repair or replace the city’s school, fire hall, airport authority, community center and other public structures.

Help For Businesses

• The SBA will provide low-interest economic assistance loans at approximately 4 percent for up to $1.5 million.
• USDA Rural Development will provide loan guarantees and participation loans for rural businesses.
• Bank of North Dakota has a Business Disaster Relief Program will provide low interest disaster assistance.

Beginning last Sunday night, Hoeven directed the following state resources to helping residents:

• N.D. National Guard
• N.D. Department of Emergency Services
• N.D. Department of Transportation
• N.D. Highway Patrol
• N.D. Electrical Board
• N.D. Department of Health
• N.D. Department of Human Services

“We know this tornado has created real hardship for the community, and we will continue to do all we can to help citizens recover and rebuild,” Hoeven said.

E-mail comments to the Governor

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