NDGOP Applauds State and Federal Leaders’ Opposition to Biden Overreach

Sign the Petition & Tell Biden to Act NOW

While we could not be more fortunate than to live in North Dakota under great conservative leadership, the same cannot be said for the backwards, haphazard decision-making coming from Washington, D.C. Whether it’s the catastrophic and tragic situation in Afghanistan or the cancellation of the Keystone…

NDGOP Chairman Applauds Budget Surplus

BISMARCK – “North Dakota’s incredible $400 million budget surplus didn’t happen by accident, but rather, is the result of dedicated conservative leadership from the top down. Earlier this year, Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi had to scramble to bail out states run into the ground by Democrats. Where these Governors looked for a handout, Governor Burgum and our Republican legislators looked for solutions, even through the global pandemic, negative oil prices, and droughts. This is what happens when you put problem solvers – and not politicians – in charge.”

NDGOP Chairman, Perrie Schafer

Burgum requests presidential major disaster declaration for June storm damage

BISMARCK, N.D. (AUG. 9, 2021) – Gov. Doug Burgum today requested a presidential major disaster declaration for a series of storms in early June that caused overland flooding and produced damaging winds and hail, resulting in more than $2.3 million in damage to roads and other infrastructure.

In a letter today directed to President Joe Biden through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Burgum requested that a major disaster be declared for eight counties: Burke, Divide, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, LaMoure, Sioux and Williams.

The June 7-11 storms tore across the state for five days, producing tornadoes, up to baseball-size hail, damaging winds of up to 93 miles per hour and torrential rainfall that led to overland flooding, which was exacerbated by dried-out, nearly impermeable topsoil.

Burgum noted the impacts occurred at a time when North Dakota is experiencing one of the worst droughts on record, and when the state already has six open presidential disasters totaling over $150 million in costs for which local and tribal jurisdictions are struggling to meet their cost shares.

“These unrelenting storms caused extensive damage to homes and businesses, damaged roads and bridges, and snapped power poles and downed power lines, cutting off service to several communities,” Burgum said. “We appreciate the administration considering our request for assistance to help communities recover from these storms and build resiliency against future severe weather events.”

In response to the June 7-11 storms, Burgum today issued an executive order formally mobilizing state resources and ensuring a coordinated approach to the needs of citizens and their communities.

If granted, a presidential declaration would unlock FEMA public assistance to help cities, counties and townships pay for the costs of repairing roads and other infrastructure. Preliminary assessments indicate damage is expected to exceed $2.33 million.

In addition, Burgum also is asking that the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program be implemented on a statewide basis to help communities pay for projects that increase resiliency and reduce costs in the long term.

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 C O N T A C T:

Mike Nowatzki
mnowatzki@nd.gov
701.328.2424

Mike Kennedy
mikekennedy@nd.gov
701.328.2937

NDGOP Hits the Road!

It was great seeing so many friends – both old and new – across North Dakota Wednesday (4th of August). If I didn’t see you, my travels will likely bring me to your neck of the woods soon!