Prepare Now for Spring Flooding

The spring snowmelt has caused significant flooding in dozens of counties across Minnesota. While some rivers have crested already this season, the National Weather Service continues to warn of secondary crests to rivers and streams following this week's rain. Water levels will remain high through next week.

HSEM is in touch with other federal, state and local partners who are working together to prepare. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has increased its monitoring of the flooding situation. State agencies are on notice to report to the SEOC, if needed.

Now is the time for you to take action to protect life and property. We have all the resources you need on our Spring Flooding page. Look for a daily update at the top of the page. And please share this valuable information with your family and friends.

$10 Million Approved for Disaster Assistance Account

​Disaster assistance funds are heading to St. Louis County—thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Tim Walz on April 1. The bill appropriated $10 million to the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account (DACA) after funds were depleted following an active severe weather season in 2018.

St. Louis County received a Presidential Disaster Declaration for a fall wind storm that led to $11.5 million in significant flooding and coastline damages. This approved legislation enables HSEM  to allocate money to Duluth for that disaster. After that money is transferred out of the account, Minnesota will have about $7.5 million available for ongoing and future disasters.

Gov. Walz recommends additional funding of $10 million for DACA for the next two fiscal years. Read more about the disaster declaration process in Minnesota.

Budget Recommendations for Disaster Assistance, School Safety and Railroad Safety

​Gov. Tim Walz is proposing budget funding for three HSEM programs—aimed at keeping Minnesotans safe and communities resilient before, during and after emergencies and disasters. Gov. Walz detailed the funding requests in his Community Prosperity plan:

1. Disaster Assistance Contingency Account: These funds reimburse communities for damages to public property and infrastructure after a state-declared disaster. With an active severe weather season in 2018, the account is now depleted. Gov. Walz recommends additional funding of $10 million for the next two fiscal years.
2. The Minnesota School Safety Center: Currently, a staff of three people conduct hundreds of school safety trainings at districts across the state for educators and school resource officers. With a recent increase in requests, Gov. Walz recommends $250,000 per year to support two additional staff members to meet this growing need.
3. Railroad and Pipeline Safety: Since 2014, HSEM has diligently worked to train first responders on how to respond to rail and pipeline incidents involving hazardous materials. Gov. Walz recommends reinstating the annual $2.5 million assessment of rail and pipeline companies to continue these preparedness efforts.

Read the governor’s complete budget recommendation for HSEM’s programs.
Review his Budget for One Minnesota.

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.