Conrad Calls on FEMA, Corps to Redouble Temporary Housing Efforts

As Winter Approaches, Too Many Area Residents Face Uncertainty, Senator says

Minot, ND – October 28, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — With another North Dakota winter around the corner, Senator Kent Conrad returned to Minot today to inspect the progress being made at temporary group housing sites in Minot to support families still recovering from this spring’s record flooding.

Following the inspection, Senator Conrad met with local officials and took the opportunity to call on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army Corps of Engineers – the two agencies responsible for constructing temporary housing for flood victims – to redouble their efforts to ensure flood-affected families have safe living quarters this winter.

“We all know the significant work still left to do to get Minot back on track,” Senator Conrad said. “But right now, housing has to be our top priority. Despite all assurances, we find ourselves still woefully behind in our race to secure housing for every family in need. That is unacceptable and I will continue to hold people’s feet to the fire to ensure plans are back on schedule as soon as possible.”

After meeting with community leaders last week to discuss FEMA Hazard Mitigation resources, Senator Conrad was alerted to miscommunication between FEMA and the Corps of Engineers regarding the progress being made on building temporary housing units needed to meet the community’s needs.

As a result, Senator Conrad invited Mike Grimm, Head of FEMA’s Individual Assistance Division, to participate in a today’s meetingwith local officials — via conference call — to sort through current shortcomings and reach agreement on how to get back on track.

Last week, Senators Conrad and Hoeven held a meeting in Minot with David Miller, the new Administrator for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation unit, to determine how those resources can best be used to meet the community’s current and future flood protection needs.

North Dakota has received more than $400 million in federal support so far this year.

Earlier this fall, Senator Conrad authored an amendment that would increase Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) by $1 billion to assist with disaster recovery in North Dakota and across the nation. CDBG resources are widely credited with revitalizing Grand Forks following the flood of 1997.

 

 

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