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State Representative Denny McNamara

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For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317

Posted: 2007-09-13 00:00:00
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NEWS RELEASE

STATE REP. DENNY McNAMARA SUPPORTS FLOOD RELIEF PACKAGE

ST. PAUL—State Representative Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) was called back to the Capitol for a special legislative session on September 11 to help bring much-needed relief to flood-ravaged areas of southeastern Minnesota. It also follows a Presidential disaster declaration and weeks of fact finding as to the cost of the losses incurred in August.

“The folks in southeastern Minnesota are struggling, so I’m glad we were able to quickly approve a relief package for them,” McNamara said. “This is exactly what government is supposed to do in a time of tragedy, and I’m pleased we were able to get the job done.”

The nearly $150 million package is mainly dedicated to flood disaster relief in Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties – which have all been declared federal disaster areas. Some details of the flood recovery legislation include:

• A property tax abatement for home and business owners who suffered severe damage to their property,
• State aid for residents whose homes suffered severe damage or were destroyed by flooding,
• Funding to rebuild damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure,
• Money to help cleanup properties contaminated by flood-related petroleum spills,

McNamara said $2 million was also dedicated in the bill for the Interstate 35W bridge collapse.

“This had to happen in order for Minnesota to access nearly $57 million in federal funding set aside for bridge replacement,” McNamara said.

“But while I’m happy we’ve given funds to those recovering from disasters, I am disappointed we were not able to address transportation solutions during the special session,” McNamara continued. “It is critical that we address ways to replace our aging infrastructure – such as the Hastings bridge. Finding solutions to our roads and bridges concerns has to be one of our top priorities when we return for our regular session in 2008.”

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