FEMA Numbers for October - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

FEMA Numbers for October

Winter months are closing in and the number of occupied FEMA homes in Ward County could come to stand still for the season.

There are 1,040 temporary FEMA homes still in use in the Mouse River valley.

That includes 500 homes on the groups sites in Burlington and on 55th Street east of Minot --- as well as 400 private sites and 150 commercial lots, primarily at Holiday Village in Minot.

That total of 1,040 FEMA homes is down only about 200 from the count in August.

FEMA Spokesperson Brian Hvinden (VIN-den) says the number of people leaving FEMA housing could plateau --- as nearly half of those remaining were previously in rental property, mobile home parks or some are waiting for answers on the flood protection plan.

For those remaining in FEMA housing, a full staff of 60 FEMA officials will be in the area through the winter months.

(Brian Hvinden, FEMA Spokesperson) "We had a pretty favorable winter last year. We'll hope for something similar this year, but certainly we'll prepare for any scenarios that could happen."

FEMA housing has been extended for Ward County until June of next year.

A rental fee will be charged in the new year with the first payment due the end of January.