Gov. Dayton Authorizes State Disaster Assistance for Minnesota Counties and Tribal Communities

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has issued a letter authorizing up to an estimated $3,291,585 in relief from the State Disaster Assistance Contingency Account for Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Lake, and St. Louis Counties, and for the Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, and Leech Lake Tribal Communities.

The exact final reimbursements will be made from actual expense documentation, according to a news release.

Severe thunderstorms, high winds, and flooding from July 19 until July 21, caused damage resulting in significant debris removal costs for the counties and tribal communities.

Aid from the contingency account will reimburse counties and tribal communities for public infrastructure repairs and clean-up costs, officials say.

Under Minnesota law, the state will reimburse 75 percent of eligible costs for public infrastructure repairs and clean-up, with localities responsible for covering the remaining 25 percent.

Aitkin County

Damage Incurred: $304,300

State Disaster Assistance: $228,225

Beltrami County

Damage Incurred: $259,663

State Disaster Assistance: $194,747

Cass County

Damage Incurred: $415,082

State Disaster Assistance: $311,312

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, applying in conjunction with Cass County

Clearwater County

Damage Incurred: $370,165

State Disaster Assistance: $277,624

Lake County

Damage Incurred: $243,655

State Disaster Assistance: $182,741

St. Louis County

Damage Incurred: $2,730,915

State Disaster Assistance: $2,048,186

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, applying in conjunction with St. Louis County

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Damage Incurred: $65,000

State Disaster Assistance: $48,750

Governor Dayton’s letter can be read here.

Photo by Angella, used with permission