Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has formally requested a presidential major disaster declaration following severe storms in North Dakota on June 20-21. These storms resulted in over 20 tornadoes and straight-line winds, causing public damage estimated at nearly $11.5 million.

“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. He emphasized the need for financial recovery support after citizens, volunteers, and first responders swiftly aided physical recovery efforts.

The governor had declared a statewide disaster on June 21 due to the storm's impact, which included four fatalities, power outages affecting approximately 37,000 residents, and extensive damage to utilities and private properties.

Armstrong’s request to FEMA seeks a presidential major disaster declaration for 19 counties: Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Grant, Griggs, Kidder, McLean, Morton, Oliver, Ransom, Sheridan, Sioux, Steele Stutsman Traill Wells. Mercer Nelson Richland Counties also experienced impacts but did not meet FEMA assistance thresholds.

A presidential declaration would allow FEMA Public Assistance funding for debris removal and repairs or replacement of infrastructure like roads and electrical lines. Notably affected were Oliver County with $2.6 million in damages Cass County with $1.5 million Barnes County with $1.3 million Stutsman County with $1.1 million.

In preparation for this request Armstrong spoke with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem who oversees FEMA. Additionally he launched a Grain Storage Facility Rebuilder Program on July 1 offering about $37 million through gap financing to assist agricultural producers in rebuilding infrastructure lost during the storms.