08.08.11

President Approves 90 Percent-10 Percent Cost Share for North Dakota Flooding

WASHINGTON - Senator John Hoeven today announced that President Barack Obama has approved North Dakota’s request for a 90 percent federal -10 percent state and local cost share for all Public Assistance for recovery from severe flooding this year in North Dakota. Approval means the federal government will assume 90 percent of the cost to repair and rebuild public infrastructure, rather than the usual 75 percent federal – 25 percent state and local split.

           “The president’s approval is clearly warranted and welcome in light of the extensive damages the state has incurred to roads, water systems and other infrastructure,” Hoeven said. “This 90 percent cost share is very important because it will cover the rebuilding effort of public infrastructure that includes not only roads and water systems, but other infrastructure as well, like public schools.” 

          Hoeven noted that in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s notice of the new arrangement, the President said: “I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the State of North Dakota resulting from flooding during the period of February 14 to July 20, 2011, is of sufficient severity and magnitude that special cost sharing arrangements are warranted regarding Federal funds provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act….” 

The state estimates damages to Public Infrastructure will exceed $300 million. With a 90-10 cost share, the federal government will assume approximately $270 million of that cost.