Walz authorizes disaster assistance to Minnesota counties damaged during summer storms

Gov. Tim Walz authorized state disaster assistance to eight counties damaged during summer storms.

According to a release from the governor’s office, Sibley, Renville, Nicollet, Goodhue, Yellow Medicine, Cass, Itasca and Norman counties will receive the assistance.

Sibley, Renville and Nicollet Counties were damaged during storms between Jul. 25 and 27; Goodhue and Yellow Medicine Counties were damaged during a storm on Aug. 8; Cass, Itasca and Norman counties were damaged in storms between Aug. 13 and 14.

“It’s our responsibility to help our neighbors recover in the face of devastating weather events,” said Governor Walz. “These storms were so severe that our communities continue to struggle with damage to their infrastructure and local economy. That’s why we’re authorizing funds from our state’s disaster assistance account to aid in recovery efforts.”

The State Disaster Assistance Contingency Account will cover 75% of eligible costs. Local governments will cover the remaining 25% of eligible costs. The Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will work with county officials to provide assistance as directed by the governor.