Hoeven Puts North Dakota Resources On Alert To Assist Gulf Coast Residents
Gov. John Hoeven Sunday placed North Dakota resources on alert to assist Gulf Coast residents as Hurricane Gustav approaches the United States mainland.
Resources deployed or at the ready include:
* 180 North Dakota Army and Air National Guard members, including pilots from the 119th Air Wing, a security detachment, water purification, power generation, and other skilled personnel from across several North Dakota units.
* Two OH-58 Kiowa helicopters equipped with infrared equipment, ND Army National Guard pilots and crew.
* A C-21 Aircraft has already been deployed to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland at the request of the National Guard Bureau.
Hoeven has directed North Dakota Adjutant Gen. David Sprynczynatyk to coordinate hurricane response efforts with the National Guard Bureau. He has also asked Department of Emergency Services Director Greg Wilz to work through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) to provide help to Gulf Coast states.
EMAC is a national mutual aid agreement and partnership that allows state-to-state assistance during gubernatorial or federally declared state emergencies. EMAC provides a responsive and straightforward system for the National Guard and other agencies in unaffected states to send personnel and equipment to help disaster relief efforts in affected states. Several North Dakota communities are prepared to respond to EMAC and Federal Emergency Management Agency requests to North Dakota for ambulance drivers, law enforcement officers, and other essential personnel.
"North Dakota is prepared to support the Gulf Coast in any capacity we can," Hoeven said. "All of us are aware of the devastation hurricanes can cause and the need for all of us to help prevent the loss of life and property. Our soldiers and airmen are ready to answer the call within 12-24 hours with helicopter support, C-21 pilots and crew, as well as other assistance."
"The National Guard is poised to deploy any resources we have available to answer the call, just as we did recently with wildfire support operations in California and Minot, support after the tornado a year ago in Northwood and help during Hurricane Katrina three years ago," said North Dakota Adjutant General David Sprynczynatyk.
The Secretary of Defense has approved federal funding under Title 32 to reimburse states for expenses incurred responding to the hurricane.