North Dakota Receives Federal Disaster Declaration Following june Storms
BISMARCK,N.D. – A presidential major disaster declaration has been approved for North Dakota following severe storms and tornadoes that struck June 20-21,Governor Kelly Armstrong announced today. The declaration unlocks federal assistance through the federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to aid in the recovery of public infrastructure and other storm-related costs.
Governor Armstrong expressed gratitude for the swift response, stating, “This disaster aid is critical for North Dakota communities and utilities as they rebuild from the important damage caused by these storms.We deeply appreciate President Trump and FEMA’s approval, and we remain thankful for the tireless efforts of our local citizens, volunteers, first responders, utility workers, and emergency managers.”
The declaration covers 19 North dakota counties: Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Grant, Griggs, Kidder, McLean, Morton, Oliver, Ransom, Sheridan, Sioux, Steele, Stutsman, Traill, and Wells. The June storms generated over 20 tornadoes, tragically resulting in four fatalities and exceeding $11 million in damage to public infrastructure, utilities, grain bins, homes, and other private property.
Governor Armstrong initially requested the disaster declaration on July 21st.
A separate request for a major disaster declaration related to severe storms that occurred August 7-8 remains under review. Those storms, characterized by damaging winds, large hail, and multiple tornadoes, caused over $6 million in damage, primarily impacting electrical infrastructure in barnes, Grand Forks, griggs, Kidder, Nelson, Steele, and Stutsman counties.
Information regarding storm recovery efforts,including the Grain Storage & Facility Rebuilder Program established in response to the June storms,is available at www.ndresponse.gov.
