BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Gov. Doug Burgum on Friday declared a statewide flood emergency in North Dakota to deal with spring flooding that so far has caused an estimated $7 million in damage to infrastructure.
The order officially puts all state agencies, including the North Dakota National Guard, on standby to provide resources as needed, the governor’s office said. The order also activates the State Emergency Operations Plan to assist local and tribal officials and help restore services and infrastructure
Fourteen counties in eastern and central North Dakota estimated over $5.2 million in damage that is potentially eligible for a presidential disaster declaration request, Burgum’s office said.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation also estimates nearly $1.8 million in additional damage that could be eligible for federal relief.
“Overland flooding and near-record river crests have caused extensive damage to state, county, city and township roads at a time when the state is also responding to the catastrophic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and extremely challenging economic conditions,” Burgum said in a statement.
With the emergency declaration now in place, the state Department of Emergency Services will partner with local agencies to conduct damage assessments and then make a recommendation to Burgum on whether to seek a presidential disaster declaration.
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