Alerus Will Open This Year For Flood Refugees

The Grand Forks Alerus Center is the designated emergency shelter for the area, and city officials say it will open up again this year because of expected flooding.

The Alerus was open for evacuees last year and the Red Cross helped about 300 people.

It handed out comfort kits which had things like toothpaste, toothbrushes and wash cloths.

Other evacuees visited the shelter for food and information.

The city says when the time comes it will open the Alerus for people again this year.

Kevin Dean / Grand Forks City Information Office. "The Red Cross is the one that staffs it and does that. We didn't have anybody who showed up because they just didn't have that kind of need that was out there."

The city says the Alerus center can hold thousands of people if necessary.

Tags: alerus center, red cross, flooding, evacuees