News Releases for March 2009
March 27, 2009
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Hoeven Takes Additional Legal Steps to Help With Flood Fight
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today issued an Executive Order waiving the "blue law". This will allow stores that sell flood relief equipment or supplies to operate between Saturday at midnight and noon Sunday. In addition, City of Fargo officials are recommending that all non-essential businesses close operations until further notice.
In addition, the Governor issued an order directing Fargo hospitals at immediate risk to evacuate in advance of possible severe flooding in the area. To the hour, that includes Merit Care Hospital and Triumph Hospital. Other facilities will be included as the need arises.
Hoeven earlier this week issued an Executive Order allowing nursing homes and hospitals to relocate residents to alternative facilities under a Declaration of Public Health Emergency, which he requested and received from the U.S. Health and Human Services.
The same order also allows other states to send nurses, doctors and other emergency personnel into North Dakota to practice. It also allows out-of-state ambulances and emergency crews to operate in the state during the emergency.
In addition, Hoeven has issued an Executive Order waiving the hours of service for commercial trucks delivering supplies and people for flood relief. The same order allows the use of school buses to transport people for flood relief activities.
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