Strib: Dayton asks Obama for major disaster declaration, adds metro counties

[geardaddy]

http://www.startribune.com/local/266456971.html
Gov. Mark Dayton requested Wednesday that President Obama declare a major disaster in Minnesota from heavy rain and flooding last month and waterlogged the state from top to bottom.

In a letter to the president, Dayton also has added many more counties — now 51, up from 35 — to his previously declared state of emergency.

The newly added counties are: Anoka, Chippewa, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Martin, Marshall, Stearns, Wabasha, Washington, Watonwan, Wright and Yellow Medicine.

So far, according to the governor’s office, $10.8 million in eligible damages have been documented through preliminary assessments in the southwestern Minnesota counties of Chippewa, Freeborn, Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Renville, and Rock counties. That total surpasses the statewide threshold for federal assistance of $7.3 million.

Dayton’s letter also said that 31 counties and one American Indian tribe have reported more than $55 million in costs for response to the flooding and uninsured damages to public infrastructure. Further assessments are being done by various state and federal agencies.

More at link.