Several Minnesota counties affected by flooding will soon be provided assistance from the federal government.

On Saturday, 22 counties in Minnesota were approved for a Federal Disaster Declaration by the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) due to severe flooding over the last two weeks.

The declaration will provide resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repair/replacement of damaged infrastructure.

The counties approved for assistance include Blue Earth, Carver, Cass, Cook, Cottonwood, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Jackson, Lake, Le Sueur, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rice, Rock, St. Louis, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Watonwan.

The announcement comes after Gov. Tim Walz sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

In a statement on Friday, Gov. Walz said, “I’ve seen the damage across our state firsthand – it’s going to take a united effort at every level of government to quickly rebuild and recover. This assistance is going to make all the difference in that recovery. I’m grateful to our partners in the federal government for doing their part, just as Minnesotans have done theirs, filling tens of thousands of sandbags, checking in on their neighbors, and volunteering their time.”

United States Sen. Amy Klobuchar also released a statement regarding the announcement:

“Across our state, these floods have inflicted serious damage and we must all work together to recover,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “I am glad the Administration swiftly took action on our request so that our state can receive critical federal disaster relief funds.”

Sen. Tina Smith added, “Minnesotans are struggling right now — these floods have turned people’s worlds upside down. I appreciate the swift declaration from President Biden following our request for aid. Minnesota needs help, and the federal government is answering. These unlocked resources will make an important difference as communities get back on their feet and we work to rebuild.”

Damage assessments are continuing across the state and additional counties may receive assistance once those assessments are completed.