~ Federal government aid includes public assistance and hazard mitigation grants ~

Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that President Obama has approved a major disaster declaration for Minnesota. The presidential declaration clears the way for federal relief and recovery assistance for Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa, Clay, Kittson, Lac Qui Parle, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Redwood, Renville, Scott, Sibley, Traverse, Wilkin, and Yellow Medicine Counties and the Tribal Nation of the Upper Sioux Community.

Governor Pawlenty requested an expedited major disaster declaration in a letter to the President on March 9.

The preliminary damage estimate in the major disaster request totaled approximately $14.8 million. Under the terms of the disaster declaration, the federal government would cover 75 percent of eligible costs or approximately $11.1 million. Governor Pawlenty plans to propose legislation that would have the state cover the entire remaining state and local government portion of 25 percent or approximately $3.7 million.

“We’re grateful this spring’s flooding was largely contained,” Governor Pawlenty said. “But the extremely high waters still caused some damage, particularly in Red River Valley. Once again, the spirit and resolve of Minnesotans battling the floodwaters was incredible.”

Today’s Presidential major disaster declaration includes two categories of aid:

• Public Assistance: Assistance to state and local government and certain private non-profit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. This applies within the counties in the disaster area.

• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: Assistance to state and local government and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards. All counties in the State of Minnesota are eligible to apply for assistance under this program.

On March 15, Governor Pawlenty declared a State of Emergency for several Minnesota counties and the Upper Sioux Community as they prepared for serious flooding. His executive order activated the National Guard to assist in flood preparations and directed the Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to activate the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan.

Governor Pawlenty is also working with North Dakota Governor John Hoeven to undertake efforts along with city, county and congressional officials to accelerate work on permanent flood protection projects in the Red River basin.