Grand Forks 1997 Flood Recovery: North Dakota Today
Renewed, Rebuilt, Reborn
- Strong Partnerships
- Leader in Recovery
- Economic Initiatives
- Report: North Dakota Response to the 1997 Disasters
Strong Partnerships
Local, state, federal and private agencies formed a strong partnership which enhanced preparedness, response and recovery from the winter storm and spring flood of 1997. North Dakota is very thankful to the nation for its support during our most catastrophic disasters. The state of North Dakota has a strong, professional, working relationship with FEMA Region VIII.
The State Emergency Operations Plan (SEOP) expanded to include new duties and the addition of 14 agencies. More than 50 state agencies now work in partnership to support local government through the SEOP. This amplified the partnership of state agencies to develop recovery programs supplementing local and federal programs.
A one-stop shop was enacted for transient merchant and contractor licensing that protected Grand Forks consumers. Participating agencies included the Office of Attorney General, Job Service North Dakota, Workers Compensation Bureau (now known as the Workforce Safety and Insurance), N.D. National Guard, Secretary of State's Office and the Information Technology Department.
The Interagency Coordination Team assisted in assessing the needs of response and recovery by filling voids in resource and technical expertise. The N.D. National Guard implementation of an ice dusting program minimized ice jams and stimulated ice melting. The response efforts of the N.D. National Guard to provide water purification, supply and distribution activity served as a significant support the city of Grand Forks.
Leader in Recovery
North Dakota is now one of only three states to manage its own federal disaster recovery programs.
North Dakota established a crisis counseling plan that now serves as a national model as well as created a Donations Management Plan in partnership with the N.D. League of Cities that also serves as a national model.
N.D. Office of Intergovernmental Assistance (now known as the Division of Community Service) facilitated disaster housing and associated needs through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). In total, North Dakota received 201.2 million in CDBG funds.
Economic Initiatives
The N.D. Department of Commerce implemented many programs to initiate recovery including: hiring the Flour Daniel Consulting Firm to provide a basis for planning the state's economic future, establishment of a Procurement Assistance Center and Small Business Development Center consultants. Job Service North Dakota also implemented initiatives to find employment for displaced workers.
Report: North Dakota Response to the 1997 Disasters
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