Bismarck  (APRIL 26, 2022) – Gov. Doug Burgum Tuesday met with local officials, residents
and ranchers in Crosby and other parts of Divide County in far northwest North Dakota to
survey infrastructure damage from last weekend’s severe spring storm and discuss how the state
can help the area recover from widespread power outages.


Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard and director of
the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES), and state Homeland Security
Director Darin Hanson joined Burgum at the Divide County Courthouse for a briefing from local
officials including Crosby Mayor and state Rep. Bert Anderson, Divide County Emergency
Manager Jody Gunlock, Sheriff Zach Schroeder, county commissioners, city leaders from
Ambrose, Noonan and Fortuna, Divide County School District Superintendent Sherlock Hirning
and utility representatives.


The meeting took place next to a conference room that has been converted into an emergency
shelter with cots and meals for residents who have been without electricity for up to four days.
Utility representatives said it could be two weeks or longer before power is restored to all areas.
“As is always the case when severe weather strikes North Dakota, we saw incredible examples of
neighbors helping neighbors and communities pulling together to overcome unprecedented
obstacles,” Burgum said. “We’re grateful for the leadership on display at all levels and for the
tireless efforts of first responders, law enforcement, snowplow crews, utility workers, local, state
and federal agencies and others working to protect lives and property. The State of North
Dakota will continue to respond with a whole–of–government approach that prioritizes the
health, safety and well–being of our citizens.”
Dohrmann and Hanson worked with the local officials to identify resource needs such as
generators, heavy equipment and even unmanned aerial vehicles to survey damage in areas where roads are still impassable, and to coordinate with NDDES and other state agencies to
assist with recovery. They said they’re confident the storm event will qualify for a presidential
disaster declaration, which would make federal assistance available to help cover recovery costs.
Jerry King, general manager of Burke–Divide Electric Cooperative, estimated damage to the co–
op’s system at $10 million to $20 million, with more than 1,000 utility poles on the ground and
14 miles of transmission lines damaged.
“We’re in an emergency restoration phase right now, which is about getting lights on to the
homes,” said King, who also serves on the Crosby City Council.
King expressed appreciation for the emergency declaration issued by the state on Monday, as
well as a declaration by Divide County, noting they will make public funds accessible to help
restore power and repair damage.
“We just appreciate any help we can get. It’s going to be a long haul. It’s bad out there,” he said.
Schroeder, the sheriff, said the biggest challenge is communicating with residents, with so many
without power and a communications system for first responders temporarily offline due to a
downed tower.
“People have great pride up here, but we want to let them know that resources are available if
they need it,” he said.
On Monday, Burgum declared a statewide emergency for flooding and widespread utility
infrastructure damage caused by last weekend’s severe storm. The governor also declared a
disaster for areas impacted by record snowfall during the historic blizzard April 12–14 based on
local costs incurred for snow removal. Additional counties may be added to the declarations as
county damage and cost assessments are completed and submitted to NDDES. Burgum plans to
request presidential disaster declarations for both events to unlock federal assistance to help
pay for snow removal and infrastructure repairs.