News Releases for November 2007
November 16, 2007
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Hoeven Announces North Dakota National Guard Assistance In "Button-Up Northwood" Effort
Governor To Visit Northwood Saturday To Lend Assistance And Thank Volunteers
BISMARCK, N.D. – Governor John Hoeven today announced that Soldiers and Airmen from the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) have been placed on state active duty status to support the ongoing “Button-Up Northwood” effort in response to a tornado that devastated the community August 26. Guard members will be in Northwood this weekend to assist residents with rebuilding efforts so that homes and businesses are repaired in time for winter.
Hoeven will be in Northwood on Saturday, November 17 at 1:30 p.m. to lend assistance and thank volunteers. He will be joined by Adjutant General David Sprynczynatyk, Division of Homeland Security Director Greg Wilz, Northwood Mayor Richard Johnson and Northwood City Administrator Marcy Douglas.
“Our first priority is the safety and well being of the residents who are living in homes that may still be exposed to the elements,” Hoeven said. “Winter is just around the corner and homes need to be “buttoned up” so they can withstand a North Dakota winter. We appreciate the efforts of our National Guard in helping the citizens of Northwood.”
While rebuilding efforts have been ongoing and extensive, some residents have had difficulty finding available contractors who are qualified to make the necessary repairs. The shortage of skilled labor in the area has necessitated the Guard’s assistance to facilitate the repairs of approximately 17 severely damaged homes to make them habitable for winter.
“Guard units from Fargo and Bismarck, in conjunction with student volunteers from university and college vocational trade schools from across the state, will be in Northwood between November 16 and 18 to make the needed repairs,” said Sprynczynatyk. “Soldiers and Airmen will act as team leaders for the volunteer force, supplying needed construction expertise and providing construction personnel as laborers.”
Wilz said, “In some cases, the repairs needed are extensive and range from closing exposed roof rafters and ceiling trusses to installing siding, windows and rebuilding chimneys.” He added, “I am confident that our efforts will be successful and needed repairs will be completed over the weekend.”
This weekend’s efforts will be coordinated by the North Dakota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters and supported by the City of Northwood, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, the NDNG, Bismarck State College and the North Dakota State College of Science-Wahpeton.
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