Delegation Presses FEMA to Support Hazard Mitigation Projects for Minot

Press Release

Senators Kent Conrad and John Hoeven and Congressman Rick Berg today called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to re-consider funding for several Minot flood recovery projects in light of a new report on the magnitude of the flood event.

In a conference call with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, the delegation called on the agency to reevaluate some public infrastructure projects in Minot that had previously been denied federal support based on new data collected by Houston Engineering, an engineering and consulting firm, on the new 100 year river flow level.

"The role of the federal government in helping Minot recover from the record flooding in 2011 has been significant, yet much more is needed," the delegation said in a joint statement. "Our goals remain twofold. To secure both the maximum support for the people of Minot and maximum flexibility to utilize that support. That message has been sent loud and clear to FEMA. We are cautiously optimistic that we will receive more favorable results due to the information found in the new report."

The delegation has repeatedly pressed several Administration officials -- including those at FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security and the White House - to allow for maximum flexibility when utilizing Hazard Mitigation funds for recovery projects in Minot.

The delegation noted that buyouts are a priority for the city, but many of the homes are outside the current 100 year river flow level. As a result, they do not meet the benefit cost necessary to be funded through Hazard Mitigation.

To date more than $500 million in federal support has been secured to aid the people of Minot.

A progress update with Administrator Fugate is scheduled in two week

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