Gov. Walz requests disaster declaration for Minnesota storms

Gov. Tim Walz is seeking a presidential disaster declaration for spring storms that caused nearly $40 million in damage to infrastructure across Minnesota.

Walz requested the federal aid in a letter Tuesday to President Trump. In the letter, the governor says "The transition from winter to spring in Minnesota was exceptionally difficult this year," and that the state needs federal help "to recover from this major natural disaster."

Walz requested the declaration for 51 Minnesota counties and four tribal governments. Officials say flooding, blizzards and strong winds from mid-March to late April caused damage totaling $39 million — well above the $8 million threshold required for a federal declaration.

If granted by Trump, the declaration would reimburse communities for removing debris as well as repairing and replacing damaged infrastructure.

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