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Homeland Secretary visits Minot

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT, N.D. --  The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security concluded her visit here following a helicopter tour of the damage caused by the recent Souris River flooding and a closed session meeting with key local and state officials here, July 13.

Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, said after putting eyes on the devastation, she now has a deeper appreciation of what residents are dealing with here.

"One reason I came out here was to see for myself," Secretary Napolitano said. "FEMA is here and will be here as long as it takes to make things happen."

Including the estimated 11,000 displaced residents of Minot and the surrounding communities, more than 1,100 Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and their families have been displaced after forced evacuations.

The Souris River began flooding the area on June 20. The National Weather Service has measured 8-13 feet of water that has flooded into portions of the city.

A closed session meeting was held at Minot City Hall with key state and local officials, to include Col. S.L. Davis, 91st Missile Wing commander, prior to Secretary Napolitano's media availability.

Discussions included an executive summary of the current situations in Minot, Burlington, Sawyer and other surrounding communities, FEMA progress on the ground, proposals on how to cope with the infrastructure loss of four public school institutions, and ensuring the school year begins on time.

"There are two key things that need to be addressed and need to be dealt with now -- ensuring the residents have access to grocery stores and schools," said the secretary. "We need to ensure the schools open on time."

Minot Mayor Curt Zimbleman concurred and stated there is a working group dedicated to ensuring that education is not compromised due to the flooding aftermath.

"We are doing everything to provide the children with the same type of classroom setting," Mayor Zimbleman said.

Colonel Davis discussed Minot Air Force Base's concerns about the long-term beddown solution for Airmen currently affected and future inbound personnel housing challenges.

"We have to get housing for your Airmen," Secretary Napolitano stated adamantly.

Prior to the flooding, Minot already had a shortage of housing availability on- and off-base due to the oil industry demand.

According to Willie Nunn, FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, their team has conducted site surveys and environmental assessments on several locations. They are looking at obtaining approximately 4,000 trailers.

They are anticipating getting those trailers at the end of August or early September. Once the trailers are in Minot, the FCO estimated it would take approximately 48 hours from the time a displaced person makes a request to the time the trailer is in place and powered up.

The secretary concluded, "The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA are here for the duration. We're all standing behind the people of Minot, behind the people of the surrounding area, and the people of North Dakota. We will make sure that everything that can be done will be done as promptly as possible."

Donations for affected Minot Air Force Base displaced Airmen may be contributed to Operation Warm Heart care of Minot Flood Fight and mailed to 22 Peacekeeper Place, Minot AFB, ND 58705.