Dayton approves aid for 3 storm-damaged counties

The state of Minnesota will provide disaster aid to three counties damaged by storms in mid-July. The Department of Public Safety said Gov. Mark Dayton approved the request for help from Todd, Cass and Crow Wing Counties.

The agency found in a preliminary estimate the counties had $1.3 million in damage that could be covered up to 75 percent by state funds.

July 15 Brainerd Lakes still cleaning up after Sunday's storms

The storms, packing winds of 65 mph, knocked over giant pines and other trees July 12 and 13. In the aftermath, some resorts in the popular Brainerd Lakes area closed for a time at the height of summer season. Around 500 acres in Pillsbury State Forest also had some damage.

A barn in Todd County sustained damage, and the Department of Natural Resources said the Brainerd International Raceway and some camper trailers were damaged as well. The Gull Lake Dam Campsite had hundreds of trees down in the campground area, and vacationers were evacuated. Cabins and resorts around Pelican Lake also reported damage.

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