VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Mayor of Valley City, Dave Carlsrud and the President of Barnes County board of commissioners Bill Carlblom issued Storm Disaster Declarations.
Several surrounding counties and cities have also issued these disaster declarations. North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong’s statewide declaration is the first step in seeking federal assistance via of FEMA and other agencies to help replace infrastructure damaged by the storms in cities and counties.
City Administrator Gwen Crawford said city crews are doing the best they can to safely fix or replace power poles damaged by the storm. More details about what steps the city plans to take will be announced during a news conference at noon on Monday, June 23rd in the city hall commission chambers.
WHEREAS, the City of Valley City experienced severe thunderstorms beginning on the evening
of June 20, 2025, with bands of heavy rain, hail, lighting, and sustained winds in excess of 75 miles per
hour continuing through the early morning of June 21, which caused significant damage throughout the
entire city; and
WHEREAS, said damage, including downed trees, power poles and power lines, loss of power
provided by the Valley City Electric Department, and damage to other public and private property, has
overwhelmed City services; and
WHEREAS, the nature of the storm and resulting damage is unprecedented; disaster preparation
was not possible; and the costs of disaster mitigation are expected to substantially exceed amounts
appropriated by the City for debris clean-up and maintenance and repair of electric infrastructure and
other property; and
WHEREAS, Section 19-01-03 of the Valley City Municipal Code authorizes the President of the
Board of City Commissioners to declare a local disaster or emergency if the President finds the city or
any part thereof is suffering or is in imminent danger of suffering a natural or man made disaster,
civil emergency, or utility emergency; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that President Dave Carlsrud hereby finds
that the City has suffered a widespread and severe thunderstorm event, and therefore declares a storm
disaster in the City of Valley City.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that local efforts shall be coordinated with appropriate county,
state and federal departments, agencies and officials to take all appropriate action to properly and
effectively respond to and mitigate the winter storm disaster.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that exempt employees designated by the City Administrator are
eligible for and authorized to receive payment of overtime during the declared storm disaster.
This emergency declaration shall remain in effect for 30 days unless extended upon approval of the
Board of Commissioners, or otherwise rescinded, Dated this 21st day of June, 2025.
