10.18.11

Hoeven: FEMA To Replace Minot's Lincoln Elementary School

FEMA Agrees To Build New School Rather than Try To Restore Damaged Building

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has determined that Lincoln Elementary School in Minot is eligible for replacement. FEMA has notified School Superintendent Mark Vollmer of its decision.

Hoeven pressed FEMA Director Craig Fugate for an expedited decision to build a new school, rather than try to restore the existing structure, after the senator met with city and school officials earlier this month and learned of the extensive damage to the school.

The approximate cost to replace the 25,000-square-foot building is $5.8 million. The Minot Public School Board decided earlier this month that the school would need to be torn down. With notification, the school district can decide on the location and design of the new building.

In September FEMA earlier approved the replacement of Ramstad Middle School, which is estimated to cost about $26.2 million.

“Schools are at the heart of every community, and news that these schools will be replaced is a welcome milestone on the path to Minot’s recovery,” Hoeven said.