Flood Grant Program Proving Popular in Minot

A program that will help homeowners in Minot with repair costs following devastating Souris River flooding two years ago is proving popular.

More than 700 people have applied for assistance from a program that offers grants of up to $10,000 to those who qualify, the Minot Daily News reported. The application period began about a month ago and runs through the end of the year.

The application total would be even higher but some people have been turned away because the program covers only flooded homes within the city, according to CDM Smith, the company administering the program.

The June 2011 flood caused by heavy spring snowmelt and rains damaged or destroyed more than 4,000 homes, businesses and other structures in North Dakota’s fourth-largest city. The river also flooded outlying areas.

The money for the home repair grants is coming from a $35 million award through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. About $5 million is being set aside for the flood repair reimbursements. To be eligible, homeowners must be living in a home they occupied before the flood. About half of the money must go to people deemed low-income.

Once the application period closes at the end of the year, CDM Smith will arrange site visits and review repair receipts. The verification process is expected to take about three months. All of the grant money should be doled out by the end of June.