8/7/2017 5:30:18 PM
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms with high winds, heavy rain, and large hail in July caused significant damage to local infrastructure
ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today authorized up to an estimated $619,525 in relief for Becker, Clay, and Norman counties from the State Disaster Assistance Contingency Account. The counties experienced significant damage to public property caused by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms with high winds, heavy rain, and large hail during the period of July 11¬-12, 2017.
County |
Damage Identified |
Estimated State Assistance |
Becker County | $493,820 | $370,365 |
Clay County | $209,653 | $157,239 |
Norman County | $122,560 | $91,920 |
Aid from the contingency account will reimburse counties for public infrastructure repairs and clean-up costs. Under Minnesota law, the state will reimburse 75 percent of eligible costs for public infrastructure repairs and clean-up, with local governments responsible for covering the remaining 25 percent.
Governor Dayton’s letter can be read here.
Disaster Assistance for Public Infrastructure
In 2014, Governor Dayton signed legislation establishing the State Disaster Assistance Contingency Account to assist local communities after a natural disaster without a special session, even when federal aid is not available. The legislation also directs the state to cover the full Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding match for local governments in federally declared disasters. More information is available here.