Central ND News

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated $1,166,291 in federal funding to Richland County for the replacement of the Helendale Bridge, which was damaged by a severe winter storm and flooding that occurred between April 22 and May 25 in 2022. The current structure, an 82-foot single-span steel truss bridge, will be replaced with a new 142-foot three-span concrete bridge. This process will involve full demolition, excavation, foundation fill, rip rap, and bridge construction, all adhering to consensus-based codes and construction standards.

Initially, FEMA had denied funds for the bridge replacement. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, alongside state officials, advocated for federal assistance. He stated, "The severe storms in April and May of 2022 caused major damages to North Dakota’s transportation and electrical infrastructure. In rural North Dakota, crossings like this are often the only option for residents for miles. This is a much-needed replacement for those affected by the damage to the Helendale Bridge, while also helping to mitigate the impacts of future disasters."

The North Dakota delegation supported the state's request for a presidential disaster declaration with a letter, a request formally made by then-Governor Doug Burgum on June 23, 2022. Former President Joe Biden approved the Major Disaster Declaration the following month, on July 14.