Government Shutdown Could Stall Disaster Aid for North Dakota

(North Dakota Monitor photo)

(North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota won’t get federal disaster relief for communities affected by the June 20-21 storms until after the government shutdown ends, according to the state Department of Emergency Services.

President Donald Trump last month approved Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief to help communities damaged by the severe weather repair and replace infrastructure. The storms included several tornadoes, as well as large hail and heavy wind, which caused significant damage to the state’s agricultural industry.

The state will not be reimbursed for any damages while the shutdown is ongoing, but officials will continue working on reimbursement requests to submit to the federal government in the meantime, according to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.

The presidential declaration, which did not include a dollar amount, makes federal assistance available to 19 counties.