North Dakota Awaits Delayed Federal Disaster Aid Response for June Tornadoes

In Texas, homeowners, renters, and business owners affected by the catastrophic July floods have until September 28 to apply for federal assistance through FEMA, which covers housing repairs and replacement of damaged items, while business owners can also apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. Only 10 Texas counties are eligible for this disaster assistance. Meanwhile, North Dakota is still awaiting a response to its federal disaster relief request submitted on July 21 for damage caused by June tornadoes, with some delays noted as the typical 30-day response window has passed. North Dakota's Emergency Commission authorized spending approximately $18 million in federal and state emergency funds contingent on federal approval, with funds earmarked for road damages, debris cleanup, and electrical cooperative repairs. The delay in North Dakota’s approval comes amid a trend of FEMA denying or delaying disaster aid requests in various states during President Donald Trump’s current administration. North Dakota officials expect a decision on the disaster aid request by early October, while the state also recently requested aid for August storms.