BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public) – Governor Doug Burgum has declared a “Winter Storm Emergency” for the March 13th-15th storm that hit much of the state with heavy snow and strong winds.

The declaration is effective in Foster, Grant, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, McLean, Nelson, Steele, Towner and Wells Counties, as well as for the Standing Rock Tribe. A survey by the Department of Emergency Services showed counties affected by the snowstorm have spent more than $1 million on snow removal.

In addition, Burgum has also granted the first group of waivers for school districts that had to cancel classes because of the storm. He has so far waived 44 days for 19 school districts.

The Governor’s office says additional waiver requests are being looked at.