FEMA opens more recovery centers in flood zone
(AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened four more recovery centers in the flood zone of southeastern Minnesota, raising the total to seven.
The latest openings were Monday in St. Charles and Elgin, following openings of centers Saturday in Owatonna and Eyota. FEMA opened centers earlier in Winona, Hokah and Rushford.
The four new centers were opened to make it more convenient for people to apply for aid, FEMA spokesman Len DeCarlo said.
The location in St. Charles will remain open through Wednesday, while the others will operate until further notice, DeCarlo said.
FEMA's aid program is capped at $28,200 per household to cover costs related to such items as temporary housing, repair and rebuilding. Aid is also available through the Small Business Administration, which offers low-interest loans to affected homeowners and businesses.
FEMA has given out $5,833,946 to flood victims so far, DeCarlo said. He added that the agency had received 2,631 applications for aid and had completed 2,080 inspections. In addition, the Minnesota State Bar Association is offering free legal advice to victims of the southeastern Minnesota floods. Volunteers will answer a special hotline Monday through Friday during regular business hours for at least two weeks. The hotline, 1-866-408-8017, will be answered from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Attorneys from the state bar's new lawyer section will then contact callers for a brief consultation. If callers need more extensive advice, the attorneys will direct them to other resources. The program is sponsored by the Minnesota State Bar and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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