Dayton seeks federal disaster declaration for fall flooding

Gov. Mark Dayton is asking for federal help after heavy flooding in southern Minnesota last month.

Dayton formally asked President Barack Obama to declare the flood damage a major disaster in a letter released Thursday. The storms and subsequent flooding on Sept. 21 and Sept. 22 caused an estimated $8.3 million in damage to public infrastructure.

A federal disaster declaration could help cover 75 percent of those public repair costs.

Dayton previously declared an emergency in 23 Minnesota counties after some areas were hit with more than 10 inches of rain. In his letter to the president Dayton also says he's concerned about heating issues for residents whose furnaces were submerged in water.