Accessibility menu
State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Jenny Nash 651-296-4122
Press/News Releases
REP. ANZELC: DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE PROVIDES DESPERATELY NEEDED STATE AID
ST. PAUL, MN - Today, the Minnesota Legislature met in a one-day Special Session and approved a $180 million disaster relief package for damage caused by flash flooding across Northern Minnesota and severe windstorms in Cass, Itasca, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Beltrami counties. The size, scope, and total damage from the disasters made it one of the worst and most widespread in our state’s history. Itasca county was hit by both disasters.
The disaster relief package passed on an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 125 to 3. Appropriations were based on extensive damage assessments conducted by local, state, and federal emergency management officials. The relief package includes:
· $79 million for transportation infrastructure including highway, bridge and road reconstruction and repairs;
· $26 million for the 25% state and local match for FEMA public assistance;
· $22 million to the Department of Natural Resources for facility and natural resource repairs and flood hazard mitigation;
· $15 million for employment and economic development business loans through the Minnesota Investment Fund;
· $12.2 million to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's Challenge Program for loans to homeowners for damaged structures and to replace essential items like furnaces and hot water heaters;
· $7.8 million to clean up and repair from severe damage caused by windstorms in Cass, Itasca, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Beltrami counties and the Leech Lake tribal land.
Budget reserves, general fund dollars, canceled previous disaster appropriations, and General Obligation and Trunk Highway bonds make up the aid in the package.
State Representative Tom Anzelc (DFL- Balsam Township) issued the following statement:
“Today, the state legislature came together to continue the Minnesota tradition of aiding our neighbors in need when catastrophe hits. It is of utmost importance that individuals are able to access state assistance to replace items like hot water heaters and furnaces damaged by the disaster. I have been a vocal advocate for this state aid and am extremely grateful the relief package includes $12.2 million for loans to homeowners and $15 million for loans to businesses. These include forgivable loans. Of special importance to me is the $7.8 million in relief for the people of Cass and Itasca counties who suffered from the windstorm of July 2. The salvage timber sale is of particular benefit to area loggers.
State government has responded appropriately. Now our communities can rebuild and area residents will hopefully get the help needed to get their lives back in order.”
Governor Dayton is expected to promptly sign the legislation into law.
News Items
- 2013 Legislative Session Wrap Up - (Posted: May 28 2013 3:01PM)
- Anzelc: Final Jobs Bill is a Winner for Northeastern Minnesota - (Posted: May 17 2013 9:53AM)
- Rep. Anzelc Appointed to Taxes Conference Committee - (Posted: May 2 2013 2:23PM)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.