Burgum Requests Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Summer Storm Damage

BISMARCK, N.D., Aug. 25 -- Gov. Doug Burgum, R-N.D., issued the following news:

Gov. Doug Burgum has requested a presidential major disaster declaration for extensive storm damage sustained by infrastructure, farmsteads and ranches in July.

The request follows the governor's action last week declaring a severe summer storm disaster for Bowman, Dunn and Slope counties.

A series of severe thunderstorms on July 20-21 produced large hail and gusty winds of up to 73 mph, toppling power lines, causing significant damage to farm and ranch buildings, endangering livestock and damaging or destroying equipment. The storm also caused widespread damage for member-owned rural electric cooperatives. Total costs are expected to exceed $1.1 million.

The governor sent his request Thursday to President Donald Trump through Nancy Dragani, acting regional administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In addition to the disaster declaration, the governor is asking that North Dakota be designated as a Public Assistance Managing State and that the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program be implemented on a statewide basis.

Burgum made a separate request Aug. 8 for a presidential major disaster declaration for drought. That request is still pending.