North Dakota Officials Praise Disaster Declaration

North Dakota officials praised President Barack Obama’ disaster declaration that will help the state recover the costs of combatting and cleaning up after widespread spring flooding.

The declaration makes federal money available to help with the cost of flood mitigation and protection, and repairs to flood-damaged public infrastructure. It covers 39 counties and three American Indian reservations.

“Getting this request approved means the federal government is a full partner in our flood-fighting efforts,” Gov. Jack Dalrymple said.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D, said it is important that the declaration goes back to mid-February, because flood preparations in many communities began that early.

“Everyone on every level has worked hard to ensure that the full federal declaration would cover the federal cost share for months of flood protection and recovery efforts,” he said.

The federal government pays up to 75 percent of eligible damages and repairs.

Cass County Commission Chairman Darrell Vanyo said the declaration will provide money that’s “desperately” needed after three straight spring battles against major Red River flooding in the Fargo area.

“Fighting three successive floods is very draining on our budget and costs will be well into the millions of dollars,” he said.

Counties included in the disaster declaration are Barnes, Benson, Bottineau, Burke, Cass, Cavalier, Dickey, Eddy, Foster, Grand Forks, Grant, Griggs, Kidder, La Moure, Logan, McHenry, McIntosh, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Nelson, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Ransom, Renville, Richland, Rolette, Sargent, Sheridan, Steele, Stutsman, Towner, Traill, Walsh, Ward, Wells and Williams. The Spirit Lake, Fort Berthold and Turtle Mountain reservations also are covered.

Flooding remains a problem in some counties, particularly in the Souris River basin in northern North Dakota. Snowmelt runoff and rain have filled reservoirs on the river in North Dakota and in Canada, and more rain is expected in coming days. National Weather Service flood warnings remain in place.