Governor Dayton Tours Flooded Areas, Says State Will Help

Gov. Mark Dayton says he wishes a magic wand could repair major damage to roads and infrastructure caused by flooding in northeastern Minnesota.

The governor toured flood-damaged areas in Duluth on Thursday with local and state officials, a day after heavy rains caused widespread flooding.

Authorities are still assessing damage, and Dayton says state and most likely federal resources will be available to help.

Duluth Mayor Don Ness estimates damage to city infrastructure alone will reach at least $50 million and perhaps as much $80 million.

He says there's still standing water in the city's Fond du Lac neighborhood.

Dayton says a special legislative session is possible to respond to flood damage. He says the region's economy could take a hit with paper mills and taconite plants affected by flooding.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
 

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