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State Representative David Bly
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0171
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
Press/News Releases
House Passes Flood Relief for Southern Minnesota in Special Session
Saint Paul, Minnesota The Minnesota State Legislature convened a one-day special session today to quickly pass needed flood relief legislation for Southern Minnesota. The bill passed on a unanimous vote in the Minnesota House on a vote of 131 to 0. The relief package will provide relief to homeowners, businesses and local communities in Southern Minnesota as well as some aid to Wadena, which was severely damaged by a tornado earlier this year.
People in our communities and across the region have been hurt immeasurably by this flood," said Bly. The recovery is ongoing and delivering this relief quickly and efficiently is a critical step in the process.
Under the federal disaster declaration declared by President Obama, the federal government will cover 75% of eligible costs for the 21 counties included in the disaster region. In total, the bill will deliver roughly $74 million in flood relief, including $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.
The flood relief will include:
Quick-start forgivable, no-interest loans to homeowners with flood damages for repair or new construction.
Grants for businesses and farmers who suffered damage.
Assistance for debris removal and the repair and replacement of damaged public buildings and utilities.
Funds to repair rural roads and bridges that were washed away or heavily damaged in the floods.
Clean-up funds for waterways and other hazardous areas.
Flooding began on September 22nd when heavy rain began blanketing Southern Minnesota. Bly said teamwork was a driving factor to pass a responsive flood relief bill less than one month later.
This fast and focused response was made possible because people came together and worked together, said Bly. Its a true example of how government can work responsibly to make a positive difference for our communities.
$10 million of flood mitigation is included in the package to be used for flood prevention efforts. These funds will be used to acquire easements from landowners to repair floodplains and riparian buffers and wetlands on damaged land. Bly said he is interested in pursuing legislation next session to make sure communities are better prepared for floods in the future.
We know that for some homeowners and businesses every second counts, said Bly. We should explore ways to prepare for floods and improve our response time so we can better protect homes and businesses when a flood hits.
Bly encouraged businesses and constituents to contact him with any questions about the flood relief.
Timeline:
September 22-24 Heavy rains fell on the southern third of Minnesota, totaling 10 inches in some communities.
September 23 Governor Pawlenty declares a state emergency for 35 counties.
October 13 President Obama declares a federal disaster for 21 counties.
October 18 Minnesota State Legislature passes flood relief package during 1-day Special Session.
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