ST. PAUL – State Representative Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley, said relief already is available for people who suffered property damage last winter, and the House has made more aid available that could apply to spring flooding expected to impact communities in the area.
The House appropriated $40 million to the state’s disaster assistance contingency account Thursday. Backer said the disaster account was becoming depleted and it was important to restore a healthy balance and minimize delays in local communities receiving disaster assistance payments.
“I hope that these funds will not be needed and that our communities will be spared from any significant flooding,” Backer said. “Nevertheless, it is important that the State of Minnesota is ready to assist towns and counties across our region that may be impacted. I continue to remain in constant contact with state and local officials to make sure everyone is prepared and encourage folks to reach out to my office if they have any questions.”
The House approved the funding on a 127-0 vote and sent it to the governor for his anticipated approval.
The move follows action by the Rural Finance Authority declaring a state of emergency in all 87 Minnesota counties due to damage caused by excessive snow and wind last winter. This declaration makes zero-interest Disaster Recovery Loans available for Minnesota farmers whose operations have sustained physical property damage or loss of livestock since January 2023.
The Disaster Recovery Loan Program offers affordable financing to clean up, repair, or replace farm structures and replace livestock that may have been destroyed due to high winds and the weight of snow, sleet, and ice this year. The funds are available to farmers for expenses not covered by insurance. Eligible farmers will work with their local lender to secure the loans from the RFA.
More information, including full eligibility requirements, can be found on the Disaster Recovery Loan Program website: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/disasterloan.
-30-