Walz authorizes disaster assistance for Hennepin County

Gov. Tim Walz on Friday authorized state assistance for Hennepin County to help rebuild public infrastructure damaged in May.

"Minnesotans work together to get through hard times," Walz said. "After that devastating week at the end of May, Minnesotans from across the state generously contributed and worked together with the people of Minneapolis to rebuild their city. This funding from the State joins that effort to rebuild and will help provide critical resources to the community."

"In the face of adversity, neighbors across Minneapolis came together with businesses, non-profits, and local government leaders to help their community recover," Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan added. "We’re committed to helping them. This disaster assistance will help their effort to make the community whole again."

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s damage assessment verified more than $15 million in eligible fire-related damages.

Walz’s federal disaster request, which was made on July 2, was denied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. An appeal was also denied on Aug. 18.

The state disaster assistance means the Minnesota Disaster Assistance Contingency Account will cover 75% of eligible costs while local governments will be responsible for the remaining 25%.