BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for nine counties experiencing spring flooding in northern North Dakota.
Burgum had previously issued an executive order on March 24 declaring a state of emergency for Walsh County. Today’s order covers an additional eight counties – Bottineau, Cavalier, McHenry, Pembina, Pierce, Renville, Rolette and Towner – and their incorporated cities.
Overland flooding from snowmelt has washed out gravel roads and damaged culverts and bridges in several counties. Bottineau, Cavalier and McHenry counties each are estimating damage of $200,000 or more to roads and bridges. Emergency managers are working with township, city and county officials to assess damage as the water begins to recede.
Pembina and Walsh counties have requested assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Neche and Grafton. Benson County also has requested state Department of Transportation technical assistance for Leeds, and Rolette County has asked the DOT for pumps and sand for Rolla.
The executive order activates the North Dakota State Emergency Operations Plan to assist local officials and puts all state agencies on standby for flood response, including the North Dakota National Guard.