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Presidential disaster declaration issued for Minnesota flooding

Minnesota will be receiving public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage caused by flooding and storms this summer. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in 27 Minnesota counties and three tribal nations, making federal funding available for local governments.

The major disaster declaration covers damage to public structures damaged by flooding, tornadoes and severe storms between June 15 and July 11. The list of counties in the disaster declaration includes Cottonwood, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville and Rock counties. The public assistance will reimburse part of the cost to repair infrastructure like roads and water systems.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton requested the disaster declaration last month, after making visits to several counties affected by the storms. Dayton’s tour of storm damage earlier this summer included stops in Currie, Slayton, Walnut Grove and Balaton. Dayton also directed the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to start preliminary damage assessments.

Sen. Tina Smith, who toured southwest Minnesota with Dayton, said Wednesday it was good to hear Minnesota would be getting aid.

“After touring several counties that suffered major storm damage this summer, I’m glad the Administration answered our call to release federal assistance to help Minnesota communities recover,” Smith said. “I will continue to push to get this assistance out to eligible areas as quickly as possible.”

Other legislators also welcomed the disaster declaration.

“This relief is greatly needed in communities all across Minnesota,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar. “I saw firsthand the damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods across the state earlier this summer. Today’s disaster declaration will help communities repair the damage to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure.”

“This disaster declaration is necessary to help our communities hit hard by storms and flooding over the summer recover,” said Rep. Tim Walz.

In southwestern Minnesota, communities like Tracy, Currie, Walnut Grove and Slayton were impacted by flooding in early July. Homeowners in the area around Lake Shetek were also heavily affected by flooding. Cities, counties and townships around the region have also reported flood damage to roads and culverts. In Lyon County, severe rains caused washouts on both gravel and paved roads.

With the major disaster declaration, there are now three kinds of federal aid available to Minnesota communities for flood and storm damage recovery, Dayton’s office said. The public assistance aid will go to state and local governments for repairs or replacements of public facilities. Counties in Minnesota are also eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The third type of federal aid available to Minnesotans is disaster loans form the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in Lyon, Redwood, and surrounding counties, which means affected residents can apply for low-interest loans. This week, SBA outreach centers are open in Marshall and Redwood Falls to help homeowners, renters and businesses apply for loans. The centers are located at the MERIT Center in Marshall, and the Redwood County Government Center.

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