Federal funds will be available for nine Minnesota counties affected by spring flooding under a federal disaster declaration signed by President Bush and announced today by Governor Pawlenty. The federal aid will supplement state and local recovery efforts in Becker, Clay, Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau and Wilkin counties.

“While visiting the Red River Valley, I saw the Minnesota spirit in action. Many volunteers responded when the river was rising,” Governor Pawlenty said. “I want to thank the federal, state and local officials who worked together efficiently and swiftly to secure this additional assistance.”

Governor Pawlenty requested the Presidential Disaster Declaration three weeks ago in response to preliminary damage estimates of more than $8.5 million. While this spring’s flooding in the Red River Valley was largely contained, the water still caused some severe damage to public infrastructure including state, county and township roads.

Massive rainfall coupled with the frozen ground resulted in the third highest flood crest across the Red River Basin since 1990. Storm surges followed the March 30 storm and further complicated recovery efforts. On March 31, Governor Pawlenty declared a State of Emergency as a result of the northwestern Minnesota flooding. Since the flooding occurred, state and local officials have been working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess damage and provide relief.

The Presidential Disaster Declaration authorizes federal funding for state and eligible local governments and certain private non-profit organizations on a cost-sharing basis (federal, state, local) for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.

Recovery assistance programs are coordinated between FEMA and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.