ST. PAUL – Lac qui Parle County is benefiting from a fund the Legislature established in 2014 to improve the delivery of local assistance when disasters strike.
In this case, the State Disaster Assistance Contingency Account will allow Lac qui Parle quicker access to $51,177 in state emergency funds in the wake of flooding which occurred in April and May and caused damage to local infrastructure.
“In the old days, we would have had to wait for the governor to call a special session or for the federal government to step in and provide emergency funding,” said Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent. “This emergency fund we set up was designed to allow for a quicker transfusion of funds so we can get relief aid on the ground sooner. The recovery process is difficult enough without delays in the arrival of necessary aid, so we have greatly reduced that turnaround time. This funding for Lac Qui Parle is a good example of how this program should work and I am pleased to see these results.”
The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Consumer Services Center is available to help with questions, concerns or complaints following disasters. The CSC can help people understand their rights, work with insurers to settle a claim and help Minnesotans make informed decisions after a flood or storm damages their home, auto or property. Call (800) 657-3602 or email consumer.protection@state.mn.us for more information.
Marshall County in the northwestern Minnesota is receiving $141,289 from the disaster account.
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