Heitkamp Presses Key FEMA Leader for Lasting Flood Protections for Northeastern North Dakota

WASHINGTON, March 14 -- The office of Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today pressed a key Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) leader on the importance of securing flood levy protections in Drayton - which helps protect North Dakota communities in Devils Lake, Grafton, and Grand Forks and other regions - during the height of the state's flood season.

During a hearing in the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs, Heitkamp questioned FEMA Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance Mitigation Roy Wright about how he plans to urgently work to help mitigate the potential impact major flooding could have on northeastern North Dakota by extending the Drayton levee project which helps protect the area. Last month, Heitkamp sat down with local leaders and emergency response teams in Drayton to discuss the best methods to prepare the northeast region of the state for major flooding expected this spring. Just days after that meeting, Heitkamp spoke with Wright about the situation, and Wright agreed that changes should not be made during a flood fight, potentially putting lives and property at risk. Today, Heitkamp urged Wright to make a prompt decision, as the city of Drayton has since applied for a sixth-month extension.

As a subcommittee ranking member on the Committee, which has jurisdiction on the National Flood Insurance Program, Heitkamp is fighting to reauthorize the program to make sure North Dakota homeowners and businesses have affordable, accessible flood insurance protections.

"Families and businesses across our state know just how hard floods can hit - and the sometimes irreparable damage they can leave in their wake. Today I pressed FEMA on the need to make sure families and communities are protected," said Heitkamp. "When I sat down with leaders and emergency response teams in Drayton, we talked about solutions our northeastern communities need to stay safe this spring. Earlier this month, I brought those concerns to FEMA Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance Mitigation Roy Wright and pressed the need to extend the deadline for the city's levee another six months to make sure it remains in place for this spring's flood fight. He agreed with me that changes shouldn't be made during height of flood season, and today I pushed him for a formal commitment. As we look toward the National Flood Insurance program expiration in September, I'll keep fighting to keep northeastern North Dakota safe, and to make sure all of our statewide communities can access the affordable flood insurance they need to weather the storm."

Just last month, Heitkamp launched a new page on her website with resources for North Dakotans to stay informed about weather alerts, plan for potential floods anticipated this spring, and respond safely if flooding occurs.

Heitkamp is committed to protecting North Dakota communities from severe weather like flooding. In January, Heitkamp pressed Mick Mulvaney, who now leads the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), on the importance of continued federal support for strong, permanent flood protection in Fargo and Minot. And last year, Heitkamp helped successfully secure federal support from OMB and Army Corps leaders for a Minot study start and a Fargo construction start, in addition to critical funding for both projects.

Heitkamp has long fought to make sure the federal government lives up to its responsibilities and assists North Dakota in recovering from past flooding and helping protect communities throughout North Dakota from future floods.

In October, Heitkamp met with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in her ongoing push to guarantee the Red River Valley gets the permanent flood protections the area needs. Heitkamp updated Mahoney on her work to forge a path forward that secures Fargo flood protections, including a conversation she had with then-OMB Director Shaun Donovan, pressing him on the need for continued federal support.

And last July, Heitkamp joined officials in Fargo for the signing of an agreement to initiate construction for the Fargo-Moorhead diversion. And after successfully working to secure a study start for Minot, Heitkamp participated in the signing ceremony for the Minot and Souris Basin Flood protections in May 2016.

07M-Furigay-5804873 07M-Furigay