News

Dayton to call Friday special session for flood aid

Photo:

Aug 23, 2012 at 6:59 am

ST. PAUL, MN (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says he and legislative leaders have agreed on a $167 million relief package for northern and central Minnesota communities hit hard by flash floods in June.

Dayton announced the deal at a Capitol news conference on Wednesday.

His staff handed out a signed agreement with top lawmakers limiting the special session to a 17-hour window starting at 2 p.m. Friday and limiting the agenda to the flood bill and technical corrections. The agreement also blocks rank-and-file lawmakers from amending the bill before they vote on it.

The final package is about $27 million smaller than Dayton's original proposal, which drew complaints of ''sticker shock'' from Republican lawmakers.

It includes money to repair roads and other public infrastructure and assistance for individuals whose homes were damaged.