Walz Authorizes State Disaster Assistance for 8 Counties

Governor Tim Walz authorized state disaster assistance Monday for Sibley, Renville, and Nicollet counties for damage sustained from severe storms between July 25-27; Goodhue and Yellow Medicine counties for damage sustained from a severe storm on Aug. 8; and Cass, Itasca, and Norman Counties for damage sustained from severe storms between Aug. 13-14.

“It’s our responsibility to help our neighbors recover in the face of devastating weather events,” said Walz. “These storms were so severe that our communities continue to struggle with damage to their infrastructure and local economy. That’s why we’re authorizing funds from our state’s disaster assistance account to aid in recovery efforts.”

Sibley, Renville, and Nicollet counties experienced flooding caused by a heavy rainfall from a series of thunderstorms between July 25-27. The heavy rains caused flooding and washouts to county and township roads and inundated county ditch systems across the region.

On Aug. 8, Goodhue and Yellow Medicine counties were impacted by a strong storm system with high winds and heavy rainfall that caused significant damage across the southern third of Minnesota. The high winds and heavy rainfall caused extensive damage to public infrastructure throughout both counties, including road washouts and damage to utilities.

Cass, Itasca, and Norman counties were impacted by a series of severe storms between Aug. 13 and 14 hat swept through the northern third of Minnesota and caused significant damage. These super-cell storms generated heavy rainfall, causing washouts and other damage to county and township roads throughout all three counties.

The State Disaster Assistance Contingency Account will cover 75 percent of eligible costs. Local governments will cover the remaining 25 percent of eligible costs. The Department of Public Safety division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will work with county officials to provide assistance as directed by the Governor.