Dear Neighbors,
Due to the significant amount of damage from ongoing storms and flooding, a State of Emergency has been declared in 35 counties, including Olmsted County. State resources and agencies are now being deployed to support Minnesotans who are impacted.
During the 2014 session, the legislature created a new program to provide disaster relief grants to local units of government that sustain significant damage but are not eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Associated Press reports that the magnitude and widespread geographic nature of flooding throughout the state make a federal disaster request a near certainty.
Federal and state aid usually only covers costs to repair and replace uninsured public infrastructure, not damage to personal property. However, homeowners, renters and business owners may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
For more information about eligibility requirements for SBA aid, click here to open a helpful fact sheet.
Individuals, families and businesses have a variety of insurance issues to address when major flooding occurs. To help Minnesotans prepare for the worst and make informed insurance decisions after a catastrophic loss, the Department of Commerce set up a one-stop-shop to help Minnesotans:
http://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/disaster-information-center/
In addition, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has created a web page with statewide flood-related information that includes information about road closures:
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/flood/
I will provide additional information about disaster relief for our community as it becomes available. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me by phone at (651) 296-0573 or email me at rep.tina.liebling@house.mn
Sincerely,
Tina Liebling
State Representative, District 26A
Chair, Health and Human Services Policy Committee