Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that the city of Browns Valley will receive a $264,000 state grant to repair public facilities damaged by flooding last month. Most of the grant money – about $203,000 – will be used for repairing city streets. The remainder will be used for debris removal and repair of other damaged infrastructure.

“This grant will help the people of Browns Valley recover from the damage caused by the flood,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Minnesota always comes together to help communities recover from natural disasters and this is another good piece of assistance.”

The grant to Browns Valley was awarded through the state’s Small Cities Development Program (SCDP), which can provide immediate assistance for repairing damage to public infrastructure. The SCDP is administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Governor Pawlenty said a number of state and federal agencies have been working to identify other resources to help the community recover from the flood and to repair damaged homes, businesses and rental properties.

The Governor previously announced that a Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration was granted by the federal agency after he had requested the designation. The declaration means that low-interest emergency loans are available to help businesses, homeowners and renters in the area.

The city of about 700 people in Traverse County is located on the western border of Minnesota. On March 14, ice jam flooding caused damage to approximately 140 structures, mostly in the northern part of the city.