MINOT, N.D. (AP) - Minot residents who have been living in Federal Emergency Management Agency units on their private lots since a 2011 flood devastated their homes might get a reprieve from a Sunday deadline to move them.
Meanwhile, construction could start in the fall on the first phase of a flood control project to protect Minot from Souris River floods like the one in June 2011 that damaged or destroyed more than 4,000 homes, businesses and other structures.
The Minot City Council’s Public Works and Safety Committee is recommending the full council consider an extension for residents who submit information by June 16 regarding their home reconstruction progress and a timeline for moving out of the temporary units.
The committee took the action Wednesday after hearing from several homeowners who are plugging away on do-it-yourself repairs they say have drained them financially and physically, the Minot Daily News reported (https://bit.ly/1kNFGgh ).
“You guys need to leave us alone,” said Dave Cox, who is among several people still repairing homes in northeast Minot. “We are working on it. Leave us be.”
If approved by the council Monday, the option to submit a plan by June 16 would spare owners of FEMA units the immediate threat of sanctions that could include a $1,500 fine, 30 days in jail and impoundment of their units.
“It would be really nice if we had more time to do the things that we need to do,” homeowner Jolene Mosher told the committee. “We would appreciate it if you would please have some compassion.”
Committee member Dave Lehner said some people have moved back into their houses but have kept the FEMA units in their yards as guest houses. He opposed a blanket extension for that reason.
“Sooner or later these people have to realize the flood is over. If you are in your house, that FEMA trailer needs to go,” he said.
The committee on Wednesday also got a glimpse of ongoing design work on proposed concrete flood walls in the area of the city’s water treatment plant. The federal government is paying 75 percent of the $25 million project, with the state and city covering the rest. Construction could start in a few months and wrap up in the spring of 2016.
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Information from: Minot Daily News, https://www.minotdailynews.com
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