Minnesota Emergency Officials Plan to Assess Damage to Four Counties

According to an article released by Minnesota Public Radio, emergency management officials plan to visit four counties this week to assess the damage of recent July storms.

Officials will visit Aitkin, Carlton, Crow Wing and Pine counties.Local emergency managers have forwarded their initial preliminary damage to the public infrastructure to state Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials. The total ranges around $2.6 million.

The damage issue stated that heavy downpours overwhelmed drainage systems, rivers and streams with 7 to 14 inches of rain. Flash flooding damaged roads, washed out culverts, prompted closures and stressed sewer systems. Storm debris also downed utility lines.

State officials say the damages do not meet federal requirements for FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, but they could qualify for funds through the Minnesota State Disaster Assistance Program.