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State Representative Sheldon Johnson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4201
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Press/News Releases
REP. JOHNSON DELIVERS RELIEF TO FLOOD-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES
ST. PAUL, MN – Recent flooding that devastated 21 southeastern Minnesota counties left hundreds of millions of dollars of damage in its wake – requiring a quick response from the state government. That’s why state Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL – Saint Paul) and his colleagues in the House and Senate returned to the Capitol this week for a one-day special session. Working together, they unanimously passed a $74 million disaster relief package (HF1) to rebuild public infrastructure and get flood- and tornado-affected communities back on their feet.
“No one can ever predict disasters like these – but Minnesotans know that when the worst happens, the state will live up to its responsibility to help our communities rebuild," said Rep. Johnson. “That’s what this bill will do.”
Recent flooding in southeastern Minnesota damaged more than 700 homes and businesses, destroying roads and bridges and other critical infrastructure. Public schools, wastewater treatment plants, community incurred serious damages. Legislation passed today will cover 25 percent of those damages, with federal funds addressing the remaining 75 percent.
“Coordinating efforts with the federal government and local leaders, we will deliver aid quickly and responsibly to communities in need,” Johnson said. “Working together, we will do everything possible to help our neighbors in need rebuild, recover, and move forward.”
Funding for the bill included: $32 million from the General Fund, $26 million from the Bond Proceeds Fund, $5 million from the Trunk Highway Fund; and $10 million from the State Transportation Fund. Dollars appropriated under the legislation will be protected from waste and misuse by a new law Johnson voted for in 2008 implementing new measures of oversight and accountability in times of disaster.
“It is more important than ever to make sure every dollar we spend is spent appropriately,” said Rep. Johnson. “The new efforts we have put in place will ensure the utmost attention to oversight, eliminate waste, and make certain the money we have dedicated to rebuild Minnesota is used effectively for its intended purpose.”
The bill also passed unanimously in the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Tim Pawlenty this afternoon at the state Capitol. Lawmakers will reconvene for the 2011 Legislative Session on January 4th.
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