ST. PAUL - Governor Mark Dayton today directed Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Kris Eide to appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) denial for individual assistance for Hennepin County following the May 22 deadly tornado. On June 13, FEMA denied Minnesota's request for individual assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the tornado saying the damage from this event was not beyond the combined capabilities of the state, affected local governments and voluntary agencies.

Director Eide will be appealing FEMA's denial and renewing his request for individual assistance for Hennepin County including: the Individuals and Households Program, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Small Business Disaster loans for Hennepin County.

President Obama did declare a disaster for Hennepin and Anoka Counties on June 10, approving public assistance for the two counties. That 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.