Burgum requests presidential major disaster declaration for December Ice Storm 

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has requested a presidential major disaster declaration for a severe winter ice storm that caused more than $11.5 million in estimated damage over the Christmas holiday. The request follows an executive order Burgum issued Dec. 29 declaring a statewide emergency for infrastructure damage.

In a letter to President Joe Biden through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Burgum requested a major disaster be declared for the period of December 25 through 27 for 13 counties including  Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Grant, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman and Traill. 

Freezing rain and winds in excess of 40 mph combined to destroy more than 2,000 power poles and forced the closure of major highways and other roads due to life threatening conditions.

If granted, a presidential declaration would unlock FEMA public assistance to help pay for the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure. 

In addition, Burgum also is asking that the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program be implemented on a statewide basis to help communities pay for projects that increase resiliency and reduce costs in the long run.