State, Federal Teams Inspect Flood-Damaged Counties in Northeastern N.D.

North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven announced that representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) joined local and state officials in compiling a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) report on areas affected by recent flooding in the northeastern part of the state.

Three teams took part in site inspections, concentrating primarily on the hardest-hit areas of Grand Forks, Pembina and Walsh counties.

“We are pursuing all possible means to help those impacted by the recent flooding,” Hoeven said. “These inspections are the first step in evaluating damages and determining if there are any federal programs that could assist with the cost of recovery.”

Inspection teams consisted of representatives from local emergency management, the state Department of Human Services, the U.S. Small Business Administration and FEMA. They visited a sampling of damaged properties in affected areas to access the impact on individuals and businesses, and the damage to public infrastructure.

“We wish to thank local officials and voluntary agencies for all their hard work in helping affected people and communities get back on their feet after this latest round of flooding,” said Doug Friez, director of the North Dakota Division of Emergency Management. “Once again, they have done an outstanding job in responding to the unpredictable forces of Mother Nature.”

The PDA is a measure of damages. It does not guarantee that federal assistance will be available.

In the event of a presidential disaster declaration, all individuals in the designated counties will have an opportunity to register for disaster assistance, regardless of whether they were contacted during the assessment phase.