FEMA Housing mission in N.D. extended to 2013 Posted on 8/29/2012
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today (August 29, 2012) announced that the temporary housing mission initiated in response to the record-breaking 2011 Souris Valley flooding has been extended through June 24, 2013. At the same time, the Agency is working with the State of North Dakota to implement a sales and donations program for occupied housing units.
"This extension will allow additional time for displaced Souris Valley residents to make repairs and return to their permanent homes, find a new home in the area, or purchase the unit which they are occupying," said FEMA Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator Dan Alexander. "Our focus has always been on the recovery of those impacted by the disaster. Our program provides temporary housing while the state and local governments are able to develop permanent housing solutions for the community."
As part of FEMA's agreement with the State of North Dakota to extend the housing mission, FEMA will also begin to implement a sales and donation program for occupied units. Eligible disaster survivors will be contacted directly by FEMA, and will be offered the opportunity to purchase their current unit at an adjusted fair market value.
In accordance with FEMA housing program rules and regulations, those living in FEMA temporary housing units will be charged monthly rent beginning January 1, 2013. Rental rates will vary based on the size of the temporary housing unit, but will never exceed the Department of Housing and Urban Development's fair market rate. Residents will receive more information specific to their individual situation the next time they are visited by their FEMA housing recertification specialist.
Currently there are approximately 1,200 housing units in use in Ward County. Three sites were built expressly for this purpose - Virgil Workman Village, Recovery Village and DeSour Valley Heights. Six commercial manufactured housing sites have also been used, and hundreds of units have been placed on private lots throughout the region. A total of more than 2,000 units have been occupied at one time or another.
FEMA has provided more the $90 million in assistance directly to Souris Valley residents for rental assistance or to make repairs to their damaged dwellings. FEMA also works closely with voluntary agencies, providing technical support for the Hope Village volunteer center and helping to organize the numerous agencies that are providing disaster relief.
###
The above press release was sent out by the FEMA on August 29, 2012.
