Dayton appeals FEMA flood aid denial
Gov. Dayton is appealing the federal government's decision not to provide emergency assistance to individuals after the June flooding in northeastern Minnesota.
Gov. Dayton's letter appealing the ruling from the Federal Emergency Management Agency cites the 1,700 damaged homes, the coming winter, and the high poverty rate in the region.
It stresses that many of the damaged properties are older, and it will be expensive to bring them up to current codes.
It also points to several recent disasters in Minnesota, and says the state is unable to respond adequately to the latest one.
FEMA's rejection notice said the flood damage didn't rise to the level of need required for federal assistance. But Dayton's letter says the law does not set a specific threshold for such help.
FEMA did grant assistance for public infrastructure, and a special legislative session is expected in late August to approve the 25 percent state match.
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