Owners Of Flood-damaged ND Homes Left Wondering

DAVE KOLPACK

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Craig and Marcia Strehlow's 4,400-square-foot dream home had been their sanctuary for 23 years, a wooded paradise in North Dakota river country. But after record-breaking spring floods, they and thousands of others are left wondering: Will the federal government help?

The floods left the Strehlows' home in shambles — torn out carpets, drawers and appliances — near the confluence of the Red River and Wild Rice River in eastern North Dakota's Cass County. The water came up 16 inches, and repairs could cost $250,000.

The couple, now living in an apartment, are among more than a hundred local homeowners waiting to find out if the federal government will buy them out of their home. Months after the flood, they still don't have a clear answer about what will become of their dream home.

"You know something? It's hard to come back," 57-year-old Craig Strehlow said, walking through his half-demolished house this week. "Until you go through these types of emotional situations, it's hard to understand."

The floods caused millions of dollars in damage in March and April after snow, ice and heavy rain pushed rivers and streams over their banks, forcing evacuations. It caused an estimated $100 million in economic damage.