Following Effort from Minnesota Congressional Delegation, Administration Issues Major Disaster Declaration for State of Minnesota

Statement

Following an effort from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and Representatives Collin Peterson, John Kline, Betty McCollum, Tim Walz, Keith Ellison, and Tom Emmer, today the Administration issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Minnesota. This announcement will trigger the release of federal funds for Public Assistance to help communities recover from the severe storms and flooding that occurred in September. In a letter last month, the federal lawmakers urged the President to issue a major disaster declaration to assist communities that are working hard to recover from significant flood damage.

"After seeing the devastation firsthand, this announcement today of federal funding for recovery efforts is welcome news for the Minnesota communities impacted by the recent storms and flooding," said Klobuchar. "I now urge the Administration to swiftly review and make a determination on federal assistance for individual recovery efforts."

"This is good news for the Minnesota communities that were hit hard by flooding," said Franken. "I'm going to be pressing the Obama Administration to quickly review individual assistance as well because many Minnesotans are still struggling to recover from the storm damage."

"This announcement means Minnesotans affected by natural disasters are one step closer to receiving relief," Peterson said. "Heavy rains and flooding this September impacted many central and southern Minnesota communities who were still rebuilding from prior flood damage. Today's declaration is welcome news."

"I applaud the Administration's decision today to provide much needed Public Assistance to Minnesota communities that are working hard to recover from damages resulting from the severe storms and flooding of September," Walz said. "As folks in these communities continue to reel from the aftermath, I call upon the Administration to expedite its consideration of federal aid for the families who are still in dire need of assistance."

"Like much of the state, tornados and flooding have ripped through the Sixth District," said Emmer. "These weather events can have incredible effects on our communities and I am pleased Minnesota will receive adequate assistance in this time of need."