Governor Tim Walz Surveys Flood Damage in Southern Minnesota

(KNSI) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz got a bird’s-eye view of the damage days of trench rain have caused in parts of the state.

On Tuesday, he was taken by helicopter for a tour of southern Minnesota, including Henderson, Le Sueur, the Rapidan Dam, and Waterville. Rain since June 18th has led to evacuations and substantial damage in the area. Walz says the total impact of flooding in Minnesota may not be known for several weeks. He said the scope of the damage was much more visible from the air and could get worse since some rivers and streams have yet to crest.

Officials say 40 counties across the state have sustained flood damage. The floodwaters have breached the Rapidan Dam, and highway closures in the Minnesota River valley have forced drivers to take long detours. Several counties have declared local emergencies and activated emergency operation plans.

Walz also said he could call a special session of the legislature if damage totals exceed the $26 million of disaster relief currently set aside. Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said the state may be close to qualifying for federal aid that could help pay 75 percent of the cost of replacing vital infrastructure.

On Saturday, Governor Walz issued a peacetime emergency and activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist with local flood operations.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has implemented the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan, making state agencies available to assist local governments.

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