Disaster Aid Coming for Storm Ravaged Counties

(KNSI) — Stearns County is among the 23 Minnesota counties getting funding as part of a federal disaster declaration.

The money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is considered public assistance, which can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of eligible public or certain nonprofit facilities or infrastructure damaged or destroyed by a disaster.

Individuals who are dealing with damage to their private properties should contact their insurance agent to file a claim.

A press release from Governor Tim Walz’s office explains that on the morning of Sunday, May 8th, thunderstorms generated winds over 60 miles per hour that swept through Stearns and Morrison counties, downing trees and power lines. The following day, May 9th, tornados touched down. They ranged from an EF0 twister near Hastings to a cluster of five tornados – one with winds exceeding 110 miles per hour – in central Minnesota, causing extensive damage. On May 11th, five tornadoes touched down in southwestern Minnesota to the northeast through the Twin Cities. On May 12th and 13th, the southern two-thirds of the state experienced violent and dangerous storms, and at least six tornadoes were confirmed in west-central Minnesota.

The damage is estimated to be nearly $11 million.

“This spring brought unprecedented storms and historic flooding to our state. But time after time I’ve seen people put their neighbors’ needs ahead of their own while facing devastating consequences to their homes, farms, and businesses,” said Governor Walz. “While the state continues to help in every way we can, we need the federal government’s help. I’m grateful that more assistance is on its way, and I’m committed to continuing the work to rebuild.”

The Governor has also requested assistance for two other weather-related events in recent weeks, including a disaster declaration request for federal aid for ongoing flooding in Northwestern Minnesota and an extension for the timeline to request support for a Memorial Day tornado outbreak that caused significant damage in more than 20 counties to complete damage assessments.

This federal disaster declaration unlocks public assistance for Aitkin, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Morrison, Nobles, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin, and Yellow Medicine Counties to assist with emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

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