FEMA Approves Federal Aid for 22 Minnesota Counties After Severe Flooding

(KNSI) – At least 22 Minnesota counties will receive federal aid to help cover the cost of repairing damage caused by recent flooding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a disaster declaration for the state on Friday. The declaration will help reimburse local governments for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure caused by flooding in the last two weeks.

State officials say as up to 20 more counties could be added to the list as damage estimates are completed.

The declaration was requested by Governor Tim Walz. “I’ve seen the damage across our state firsthand – it’s going to take a united effort at every level of government to quickly rebuild and recover. This assistance is going to make all the difference in that recovery,” said Governor Walz. “I’m grateful to our partners in the federal government for doing their part, just as Minnesotans have done theirs, filling tens of thousands of sandbags, checking in on their neighbors, and volunteering their time.”

The counties approved for public assistance include:

Blue Earth
Carver
Cass
Cook
Cottonwood
Faribault
Fillmore
Freeborn
Goodhue
Jackson
Lake
Le Sueur
Murray
Nobles
Pipestone
Rice
Rock
St. Louis
Steele
Wabasha
Waseca
Watonwan