Burgum asks Trump to declare major disaster for North Dakota, unlock federal aid

BISMARCK — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum asked President Donald Trump on Sunday, March 29, to declare a major disaster for the state in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus.

If granted by Trump, the declaration would clear the path for North Dakota to receive federal aid based on need in the state’s 53 counties and four largest American Indian reservations. Trump has already declared major disasters in more than 20 states, including California and New York.

“I have determined the COVID-19 pandemic response is of such severity and magnitude that effective response and recovery is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments,” Burgum wrote in the request. “We respectfully request that you (Trump) declare a major disaster, with an incident period starting January 20, 2020, and continuing.”

READ FULL STORY