ST. PAUL – Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls, and Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, urge local citizens to make sure they are working with local sources to complete recovery work in the wake of recent flooding.
A disaster declaration has been issued for 36 counties in Minnesota, with extensive damage occurring in the southern part of the state. Brown, Lyon, Redwood and Renville counties in District 16 are among those receiving disaster status.
“This is a time when we are rolling up our sleeves and pitching in to do what it takes to help recover from the flooding,” Swedzinski said. “It’s hard work and, unfortunately, scammers have been known to try to take advantage of these situations by preying on people who are just trying to do the right things to restore their property. I strongly urge people to use extra caution in the services they contract, and the best way to do that is to work with local businesses and companies that have trusted track records.”
“Local businesses have names and faces that we know and trust, bringing an extra level of security that the job will not only get done, but get done right,” added Dahms. “These service providers are invested in our communities. The sense of pride they bring to the table in terms of helping friends and neighbors during a time of need is a big plus to customers.”
Residents in the counties subject to the disaster declaration also may be eligible for low- or no-interest loans to help with recovery efforts. Farmers can apply for the zero-percent Disaster Loan Program offered by the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority. The program is designed to help cover clean-up cost, repair and replacement costs not covered by insurance.
Call the RFA at 651-201-6004 or visit www.mda.state.mn.us/agfinance for more information.
The other counties receiving the disaster declaration include Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Blue Earth, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Cottonwood, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Jackson, Kittson, Lake, Mahnomen, Martin, Mille Lacs, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pine, Pipestone, Polk, Red Lake, Rock, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, St. Louis, Waseca and Watonwan.
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