06.24.11

Congressional Delegation Commends Approval Of Individual Disaster Assistance for Burleigh and Ward Counties

Washington - Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Congressman Rick Berg commend the approval by President Obama of the State of North Dakota's request for Individual Assistance (IA) for Burleigh and Ward counties in North Dakota.  The delegation noted that this is a good start, but that more needs to be done to protect North Dakotans who have sustained damage from surging floods throughout the state.

"This is an important step in the recovery process for North Dakotans. We will keep fighting until all counties that qualify are granted similar coverage.  Many homes are sustaining serious damage.  With record breaking flooding expected to continue through the weekend and beyond, we know there is more devastation to come.  This Individual Assistance will give home and business owners a badly needed start on the rebuilding process.  We know it will be a long road, but we have seen the resilient spirit of North Dakotans, and we will band together during this difficult time and the healing period that will follow," the delegation said in a joint statement.

An Individual Assistance designation will mean that those who are approved through the application process may be eligible for financial assistance through FEMA.   The Individual Assistance program includes a wide range of aid, including emergency home repair, temporary disaster housing, replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or assistance programs.

Senators Conrad and Hoeven and Congressman Berg today spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and urged her to support the State of North Dakota's request for Individual Assistance (IA) for counties in North Dakota.  Additionally, the delegation sent a letter to Secretary Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate expressing their support for Individual Assistance for North Dakota.

The delegation was in Minot today assisting with flood emergency efforts and meeting with community leaders in Minot to ensure they are getting all the federal support they need.