FARGO (KFGO) - The Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota are over, but bills continue to trickle in for expenses incurred by law enforcement agencies sent to assist in providing security for the sometimes violent, protests that ran from August to March.
The state Division of Disaster Emergency Services is making sure those bills are paid. The Fargo Police Department has been reimbursed more than $719,000. The Cass County Sheriff's Office has submitted its final reimbursement request for a total of more than $819,000. To date, it has been paid just over $62,000. The costs cover salaries, overtime pay, meals, lodging, mileage, and other expenses.
State Homeland Security Division Director Greg Wilz says the state has made a commitment to get the money out as soon as DDES receives a billing. That's usually within 30 days. Knowing the tight budgets, he says it's important the bills are paid.
Wilz says so far, Disaster Emergency Services has reimbursed more than $28 million to counties, cities and state agencies with a loan from the state-owned Bank of North Dakota. Governor Doug Burgum has requested a federal disaster declaration, seeking $38 million to reimburse the state for all the expenses stemming from the protests. Wilz says the request cleared the FEMA regional office in Denver and has been forwarded to FEMA in Washington where it is being reviewed. It could several weeks before it goes to the White House.