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Gov. Walz Tours Flooding Damage in Two Counties
Severe weather—including inundating rains and flash flooding—hit southern Minnesota hard in late June and July resulting in significant damage to public property and infrastructure. That’s why Gov. Tim Walz visited Dodge and Olmsted counties. While there, Gov. Walz and HSEM Director Joe Kelly met with local elected officials and emergency managers in Mantorville and toured damage in Oxbow Park in Byron.
While the damages will likely not qualify for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, counties may request state disaster assistance. Homeowners or business owners with recent damages are encouraged to report them to their county emergency managers.
President Approves Federal Disaster Declaration
Gov. Walz has secured a major disaster declaration after widespread severe weather in March and April caused significant damage around the state. Historic snowfall, a late winter storm, and major river and overland flooding impacted 51 counties and four tribal nations.
Joint federal-state-local preliminary damage assessments identified more than $39 million in eligible damages to public property and infrastructure. This included washed out roads and bridges, as well as damage to parks and buildings. Debris removal and emergency protective measures are also eligible costs.
HSEM will now work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local emergency managers to reimburse the counties for response and recovery costs.
Read more about the FEMA’s disaster declaration process.
SBA Loans Available in Five Counties
It’s hard to believe, but as Minnesota counties deal with flooding this year, many are still recovering from last year’s wet spring and summer. Now the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) is offering business, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofits Economic Injury Disaster Loans in Minnesota.
The loans are available in Blue Earth, Faribault, Jackson, Martin and Watonwan counties for financial losses sustained during excessive rain and flooding between April 15 and August 17 last year. Loan amounts can go up to $2 million. The SBA will determine eligibility based on the applicant.
If you think you may qualify, apply for a loan here.
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