BISMARCK — The federal government has denied North Dakota’s request for a disaster declaration for this year’s drought, Gov. Doug Burgum said Monday, Oct. 9.
Burgum said state officials knew their request was a “long shot,” given the history of similar requests and the demands placed on federal resources by recent hurricanes and wildfires.
“We appreciate FEMA’s consideration of our request,” Burgum said in a statement.
“There’s a number of people who have a great need for some help,” he said. “I was hoping it could happen.
During his visit to North Dakota last month, President Donald Trump nodded to what he called a “devastating drought” but didn’t mention the governor’s pending request.
“We are with you 100 percent,” Trump said during his speech at a Mandan refinery.