Reimbursement application period opens Monday for St. Louis Park residents affected by water main breaks

Starting Monday, St. Louis Park community members will be able to start applying for reimbursement of costs they acquired following the cleanup of two separate water main break incidents earlier this year.

As previously reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, there were two water main breaks within two weeks in one neighborhood on Minnetonka Boulevard. The first happened on May 21 while the second happened on June 3.

A few days later, the St. Louis Park City Council approved a reimbursement fund for those affected by the two breaks, with those who suffered damage from the first break getting up to $40,000 from the city’s insurer — the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT).

A city spokesperson said at the time that in addition to the $40,000 residents can receive, the city is also going to offer reimbursement funds of up to an extra $60,000 for those affected by the first break, or up to $80,000 for residents affected by both breaks.

There is an overall cap of up to $4 million, according to the city’s website, which also states that everyone who participates has to sign a release of liability in exchange for reimbursement.

In order to start the reimbursement process, city officials say you must submit a claim to your insurance company, show a letter that homeowner insurance was denied or only partially paid the claim. After working with the insurance company to find what can be covered, a claim must be submitted to LMCIT, which can be done over the phone at 952-924-2515 or by emailing THIS ADDRESS. A claim form must be downloaded and filled out (done by CLICKING HERE or using a fillable PDF document).

After that, the city says LMCIT will contact applicants to process the claim.

The deadline to apply for the city’s reimbursement program is Dec. 31, 2022, and must be submitted within 60 days of the date the LMCIT closes the owner’s claim. The claim must be closed by LMCIT in order to apply.

Expenses that qualify for reimbursement include anything that was touched and damaged by contaminated water — such as wall and floor coverings, water heaters, furnaces, washers, dryers, submerged electrical items and other items, according to the city.

Officials say the program will also provide reimbursement for expenses such as lodging if the home wasn’t habitable during cleanup and restoration, deductible for homeowner’s insurance, excess utility consumption, permit costs and other items. Permits needed for cleanup and restoration include plumbing, electrical, building, water heaters, air conditioners and furnaces, according to the city. Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry and countertops don’t need a permit.

In addition, Monday also marks the end of the free pickup of bulky debris, appliance and electronics for those affected by the break. After Aug. 1, costs related to debris removal arrangements must be made by residents through insurance or the city’s reimbursement program.

CLICK HERE for additional updates from city officials regarding the water main breaks.