Federal Shutdown Delays $16M in Disaster Relief for ND June Storms, EF-5 Tornado

Mary Steurer from the North Dakota Monitor reports that North Dakota won’t receive federal disaster relief funds for June storms until after the government shutdown ends, according to the Department of Emergency Services. President Trump approved FEMA assistance last month for 19 counties affected by the June 20th and 21st severe weather, including the historic Enderlin EF-5 tornado. The state expects about $16 million dollars in federal relief and estimates damages exceeded $11.4 million. 19 ND counties are eligible: Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Grant, Griggs, Kidder, McLean, Morton, Oliver, Ransom, Sheridan, Sioux, Steele, Stutsman, Traill and Wells. Officials will continue preparing reimbursement requests during the shutdown to submit once the government reopens. A separate request for $6 million in relief from August storms affecting seven counties remains under federal review, also delayed by the shutdown affecting FEMA operations nationwide.