Minnesota emergency managers to assess damage from July storms

Minnesota emergency management officials will visit four counties this week to assess damages from recent storms.

Local emergency managers in Aitkin, Carlton, Crow Wing and Pine counties have forwarded their initial damage estimates to state Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials. Preliminary damage to the public infrastructure in the four counties during the week of July 10 is pegged at $2.6 million.

Heavy downpours overwhelmed drainage systems, rivers and streams with 7 to 14 inches of rain. Flash flooding damaged roads, washed out culverts, prompted closures and stressed sewer systems. Storm debris and downed utility lines caused additional damage.

State officials say the damages do not meet federal requirements for FEMA's Public Assistance Program, but they could qualify for funds through the Minnesota State Disaster Assistance Program.