Biden approves major disaster declaration for North Dakota ice storm

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President Joe Biden has approved North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum's request for a major disaster declaration related to a Christmastime ice storm that toppled power lines and left thousands of people without power.

VERMONT GOV. SCOTT REQUESTS DISASTER DECLARATION OVER DECEMBER FLOODING

An ice-covered vehicle is photographed in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Dec. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Jack Dura, File)

Burgum's office announced the approval Wednesday. The governor had declared a statewide emergency due to the Dec. 25-27 storm. He sought the presidential disaster declaration to make federal aid available to help cover repairs to damaged public infrastructure.

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Freezing rain and high winds brought down more than 2,000 power poles and led sections of interstate highways to close. Estimated storm damages totaled over $11.5 million, according to the governor's office. The declaration affects all 13 counties Burgum requested.