Peace Garden News

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $2,860,827 to the Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative to fund repairs following wildfires and straight-line winds that occurred on October 5 and 6, 2024. The damage led to widespread power outages in western North Dakota, where severe drought conditions had already affected the region.

According to FEMA, the wildfires and winds resulted in burned or broken utility poles and damaged electrical sub-assemblies. In response, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative replaced a range of utility poles, powerline conductors, and other damaged electrical components.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota joined Senator John Hoeven and former Representative Kelly Armstrong in supporting a request for a major disaster declaration from then-Governor Doug Burgum. This request was sent to former President Joe Biden last November. The disaster declaration was later approved and FEMA is now distributing funds as part of this process.

“While North Dakotans are extremely resilient, these historic wildfires have deeply impacted the agricultural community and electrical infrastructure,” said Senator Cramer. “The loss of livestock, structures, equipment, and the destruction of shelterbelts and windbreaks will take years to recover from. We are immensely grateful for the first responders, farmers and ranchers, as well as the local, state, tribal, and federal agencies who swiftly responded to these wildfires, and prevented further loss of life and property.”