Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota has formally requested a presidential disaster declaration following severe storms on June 20-21 that caused significant damage across the state. The storms resulted in over 20 tornadoes and straight-line winds, leading to an estimated $11.5 million in public damage.

"The destructive power of the storm system that ripped across our state on June 20-21 was unlike anything North Dakotans have seen in recent history – and hopefully something we’ll never see again," Armstrong stated. "Our citizens, volunteers, first responders, utility providers and emergency managers mobilized quickly to help their communities recover physically from the storm, and now they need assistance to recover financially."

The request seeks federal aid through FEMA for 19 counties, including Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Grant, Griggs, Kidder, McLean, Morton, Oliver, Ransom, Sheridan, Sioux, Steele, Stutsman, Traill and Wells. While Mercer, Nelson and Richland Counties were also affected by the storms; their damages did not meet the threshold required for FEMA assistance.

A presidential declaration would enable FEMA Public Assistance funding to cover debris removal costs and repair or replace damaged infrastructure like roads and electrical lines. Oliver County reported the highest damage at $2.6 million.

Armstrong declared a statewide disaster immediately after the storms on June 21 due to four storm-related deaths and extensive property damage. He has communicated with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem about the situation.

Additionally announced was a Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program initiated on July 1 to assist agricultural producers with infrastructure replacement post-storms. This program provides approximately $37 million through gap financing.

More details about this program can be found on the Bank of North Dakota’s website.