Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker has issued a Flood Repair Declaration for homeowners whose yards were damaged from the installation and/or removal of hescoes, clay dikes and sandbags that were placed as the city’s first line of defense during the spring flood.
The purpose of the declaration is to assist homeowners when filing a claim with their insurance companies. If homeowners have damage, claims should be made right away.
According to Mayor Walaker “Insurance companies may have a lack of understanding of the true nature of the claims. Thus the city is issuing the declaration to help clarify the circumstances under which damage has occurred.”
Mayor Walaker suggests that homeowners proceed with yard clean-up, keep the actual bills and present the declaration to their insurance company. He emphasizes that contact of a local broker is not sufficient and that a formal claim for the damage incurred must be filed with the insurance company.
The City Commission will consider establishing a policy for possible reimbursement of damage to private property. Any such policy will require submission of the following:
- a copy of the claim denial from the insurance company; or
- the amount paid by the insurance company
- the deductible amount paid by the homeowner
FEMA has indicated that damages to private property will not be eligible for reimbursement to the city under the Public Assistance Program. The City feels this was the city’s first line of defense and should be covered.
For more information, contact the City of Fargo’s Engineering Department at 241-1545.
View the declaration letter (PDF)
