Minnesota Now with Nina Moini

Bemidji area storm caused $9.8M in damage, but falls short of FEMA aid threshold

dead trees
Bemidji homeowner Lois Pfeffer said she lost between 225 and 250 trees from her backyard plantation caused by last month’s storm. In hindsight, Pfeffer said she wished her insurance coverage had included not only her home but the yard and the plantation as well.
Mathew Holding Eagle III | MPR News

It’s been about six weeks since a massive storm ripped through the Bemidji area. 100 mph winds produced a wide swath of damage to city infrastructure and forests. It took nearly a week to fully restore power to thousands of homes and businesses.

According to a preliminary damage assessment conducted by the counties and communities affected by the storm last month, the June storm caused just around $9.8 million in damages. Despite this, the value of the damage still falls short of the state being eligible to request federal assistance through FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The city of Bemidji was among the communities severely impacted by the storm. The city’s fire chief and emergency manager Justin Sherwood joined Minnesota Now to talk about recovery efforts.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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