FEMA aid coming to parts of Minn. after July storms

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today federal disaster aid is available to Minnesota counties affected by storms and flooding during the first half of July.

President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster in Minnesota after severe storms, tornadoes and flooding earlier this month.

The aid will help state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that swept across the state from July 1-11.

Gov. Mark Dayton says the declaration covers 14 counties and one tribe. The funds will help repair damage from flooding and tornadoes in the following counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kandiyohi, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Pine, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Stearns, and Yellow Medicine; as well as the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

The declaration will send money to state and local governments - and some non-profit organizations - for repairs to facilities damaged by the storm in the disaster area.

Preliminary damage assessments found nearly $19 million in costs and damages to the storm area. FEMA will fund 75 percent of approved costs. Federal money is also available to mitigate hazards in all counties and tribes in Minnesota.

Associated Press contributed to this report.

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