By James MacPherson
The Associated Press
BISMARCK, N.D. — A group that represents North Dakota’s ambulance and emergency workers has been ordered to repay more than $120,000 in federal disaster planning money spent on alcohol, lobbying and other questionable expenses.
The North Dakota EMS Association, which represents about 1,800 ambulance and emergency workers, may be barred from seeking more federal grant money.
Tim Wiedrich, who heads the state Health Department’s emergency preparedness and response section, told The Associated Press that an audit found the nonprofit wrongly spent money on lobbying, cell phones, meals and alcoholic drinks, salaries and bonuses.
Mark Weber, the association’s president, did not immediately respond to phone messages Wednesday seeking comment.