Lawmakers: Deal close on flood aid for Minnesota

Capitol negotiators say they have the framework for a disaster relief package the Minnesota Legislature will consider in a yet-scheduled special session.

The proposal covers flood aid for southern Minnesota towns hit by a September deluge and assistance for a replacement community center in Wadena after the old one was destroyed by a June tornado. Final details depend on action by the federal government.

Republican and Democratic legislators from southern Minnesota separately announced the pending agreement on Tuesday.

The package is aimed at helping local governments rebuild roads. It also includes loans to individuals and grants to small businesses that were affected by the flooding.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is waiting for the federal government to issue a disaster declaration before scheduling the brief special session. Under that order, the federal government would pay 75 percent of public recovery costs while the state takes care of the rest.

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