Local flood damage to be reviewed by state officials

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Staff from Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division will visit Aitkin, Crow Wing, Carlton and Pine counties to assess damages sustained in thunderstorms during the week of July 10.

Local emergency managers reported the following estimates in their initial damage assessments:

• $300,000 in Aitkin County

• $389,550 in Crow Wing County

• $798,000 in Carlton County

• $1,138,000 in Pine County

The preliminary estimates account for damage to public infrastructure only and are subject to change following additional field assessments.

At this time, 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.

The staff was expected to visit Pine County Monday, Carlton County today, Aitkin County on Wednesday and Crow Wing County on Aug. 22. Assessments may include visits to various damage sites.

During the week of July 10, torrential downpours overwhelmed drainage systems, rivers and streams with 7-14 inches of rain. Flash flooding damaged roads, washed out culverts, prompted closures and stressed sewer systems. Storm debris and downed utility lines caused additional damages. Counties also reported evacuations, water rescues and campground closures due to the high water levels.

During the week of Aug. 1, HSEM staff conducted preliminary damage assessments in Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec and Traverse counties. They are requesting State Disaster Assistance for reimbursement of repairs made to flood-damaged infrastructure from the same storm.

Governor Dayton approved State Disaster Assistance for Blue Earth, Itasca and Nicollet counties along with the Leech Lake Reservation.

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