Disaster Assistance Approved for Southeast Minnesota Counties Hit by July Flash Floods
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- Gov. Tim Walz has approved disaster assistance for multiple southeast Minnesota counties that were hit by severe weather earlier this summer.
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A news release issued by the governor’s office says Fillmore, Houston, Mower, and Winona Counties will receive the emergency assistance.
A final amount of funding will be determined upon completion of a damage assessment.
The funds will go towards “rebuilding critical public infrastructure damaged by these storms and flooding in these areas,” the news release says.
Gov. Tim Walz Authorizes Disaster Assistance for Fillmore, Houston, Mower, and Winona Counties Following July Flash Flooding
Southeast Minnesota was hit hard by flash flooding twice. The first major flooding event happened July 2 and the second occurred on July 8.
In Mower County, I-90 closed during both storms. Grand Meadow received over seven inches of rain during the July 2 storm and Austin picked up more than five inches of rain during the storm on July 8.
Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvik said deputies had to rescue people who had become trapped in their homes by the July 8 flash flooding. No injuries were reported.
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Flash floods prompted trail closures in state recreation areas across Fillmore County on July 2. Wykoff saw the most rain in Fillmore County on July 2, picking up over 5.5 inches.
“The severe storms and floods that swept across southern Minnesota earlier this summer inflicted irreparable damage and loss,” said Governor Walz. “I am thankful for Minnesota’s emergency management team for working swiftly and closely with the affected communities to assess damage and assist them as they rebuild and recover from these devastating storms.”
The governor also authorized disaster assistance funding for Becker and Crow Wing Counties.
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Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams
