News Releases for October 2009
October 28, 2009
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Governor Requests Increased Federal Disaster Aid
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today asked President Obama to reimburse 90 percent of the eligible costs for public emergency measures, debris removal, and repair of publicly owned infrastructure damaged by the severe storms and flooding last spring.
"As response and recovery costs from this state-wide disaster continue to be processed for reimbursement, we have now officially surpassed the threshold for increased federal funding," Hoeven said. "We will continue to work with communities throughout the state and FEMA to support efforts to rebuild roads, bridges and other infrastructure."
The official request would increase the federal share of those costs from the current 75 percent. After the request is approved by the President, the state will be responsible for 7 percent of disaster expenses and local governments will pay 3 percent.
When total federal funding for specific assistance programs under a presidentially declared disaster reaches $122 per capita, the governor can request the increase. For North Dakota, the threshold, based on population determined in the 2000 census, is $78.3 million. That threshold was surpassed this week. Funds have gone to pay for temporary levees and other flood protection measures as well as financial assistance for families and reimbursements to state and local governments for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
