The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated $1,166,291 to Richland County for the replacement of the Helendale Bridge. This 82-foot, single-span steel truss bridge suffered damage during a winter storm and flooding between April 22 and May 25, 2022.
The replacement structure will be a 142-foot, three-span concrete bridge, constructed using consensus-based codes and standards. The funding will cover demolition, excavation, foundation fill, rip rap, and bridge construction.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer played a crucial role in securing federal assistance after FEMA initially denied the request to replace the bridge. He emphasized the importance of such infrastructure in rural areas: “The severe storms in April and May of 2022 caused major damages to North Dakota’s transportation and electrical infrastructure. In rural North Dakota, crossings like this are often the only option for residents for miles. This is a much-needed replacement for those affected by the damage to the Helendale Bridge, while also helping to mitigate the impacts of future disasters.”
North Dakota’s delegation supported the state’s request for a disaster declaration through a letter, signed by then-Governor Doug Burgum. The request was approved by former President Joe Biden on July 14, 2022, under a Major Disaster Declaration.
