Walz grants disaster help for 8 counties recovering from storm damage

Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday authorized state disaster help for eight southeast Minnesota counties.

The governor granted the emergency help for the counties — Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Steele, and Wabasha counties — after they experienced damage during a severe storm on Dec. 15. That storm generated multiple tornadoes as well as rain, sleet, ice and snow.

Public infrastructure in the eight counties suffered extensive damage, including downed electric transmission and distribution lines, which knocked out power to around 25,000 people. Many buildings and trees were also damaged by the storm.

“When disaster strikes, Minnesotans stand ready to help their neighbors,” Walz said in a statement. “We will work closely with these counties to ensure they have the resources and support they need to recover in the wake of these storms.”

The disaster authorization means the state will cover 75% of the eligible costs through its Disaster Assistance Contingency Account, with the local governments covering the remaining 25%.