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Division of Homeland Security

Disaster Recovery and Mitigation

Disaster Recovery manages and coordinates presidential declared disaster programs including Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation. Nationally, North Dakota is one of three states that maintain a “managing state” status. The Division of Homeland Security assumes disaster program management responsibilities instead of FEMA; however, coordination with FEMA is an on-going process. When damages during an event exceed the predetermined per capita threshold, a Presidential Declaration results and activates federal disaster recovery programs. Nearly one billion dollars in disaster recovery assistance have been distributed to local, tribal and state entities since 1993. The Section also manages the non-disaster related Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM-C).

The Public Assistance Program (PA) provides federal funding for repairs to damaged public infrastructure such as roads, culverts, bridges, public buildings and parks. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding for projects that will reduce or permanently eliminate future risk to lives and property. Home acquisition from floodways and floodplains, lift station repair and construction of flood walls are three of many types of qualifying projects. In both programs, the federal cost share is 75 percent while the remaining 25 percent is a state and local responsibility.

The Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM-C) is a non-disaster nation-wide competitive program that provides funds to states for hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of mitigation projects prior to an event. Local governments must have an approved multi-hazard mitigation plan in order to receive funding. Program intent is to reduce overall risk to the population and structures, thereby, decreasing reliance upon funding from Presidential declarations. If a project application is selected by the national review panel, 75 percent of the cost is borne by the federal government and 25 percent by the local jurisdiction.

Staff members coordinate meetings of the State Hazard Mitigation Team that consists of participants from several state agencies who have agreed to review and provide technical expertise concerning project applications. The team has prioritized more than 200 applications submitted for HMGP funding approval. The Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team has federal and state agency representation to assist formation of mitigation strategies and to examine additional funding possibilities. After the 1993 floods, the team leveraged an additional $12 million for mitigation activities.

The Individual and Households and Other Needs Assistance Program (IHP) provides funding assistance up to predetermined limits for home damage repair, transportation repair or replacement and funeral expenses. Other Needs Assistance provides limited funding for crisis counseling, unemployment assistance and loans from the Small Business Administration. The cost share equates to 75 percent federal and 25 percent state.