Saint Paul – In anticipation of a federal disaster declaration for southern Minnesota, Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced October 11 as the tentative date for a Special Session of the legislature to address the state’s share of flood relief. While the date may change if the federal declaration is issued after October 8, setting a tentative date will provide adequate notice to legislators to plan accordingly.

Governor Pawlenty requested the disaster declaration in a letter to President Obama on October 1, citing a preliminary damage estimate of approximately $64.1 million. Under the terms of a disaster declaration, the federal government would cover 75 percent of eligible costs.

During the Special Session, legislation will be presented that would have the state cover the remaining non-federal share. The Governor said he expects legislators would be able to complete their work in one day.

“Our fellow Minnesotan’s are suffering and in need of swift action by their government at this time,” said Governor Pawlenty. “Completing this legislative work will aid in that effort.”

Special Sessions to deal with similar disasters in 1997 and 2002 took place three or four months after the flooding. In April-May 1997, the Red River of the North flooded, causing major damage in Minnesota, North Dakota and Manitoba. A one-day special session was held on August 19, 1997. From June 9-11, 2002, heavy rains caused flooding in Roseau and the northwestern part of the state. A one-day special session was held on September 19, 2002.

In 2007, less than a month after flash flooding occurred in southeastern Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty called a one-day Special Session to pass a state aid package.

This Special Session will be held within three weeks of flooding caused by severe storms that began on September 22 in southern Minnesota.

The Governor requested federal individual assistance for Blue Earth, Dodge, Faribault, Goodhue, Martin, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Watonwan counties. FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) helps homeowners and renters affected by a disaster with housing needs and necessary expenses.

Public assistance is requested for Blue Earth, Cottonwood, Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Goodhue, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Mower, Murray, Olmsted, Pipestone, Rice, Rock, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, and Winona counties. FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program provides assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities.

Additional counties will be added to the request as the damage assessment process continues.

If granted, a federal disaster declaration will make designated counties eligible for a range of federal disaster programs that could include disaster unemployment assistance, individual and household assistance, small business disaster loans, crisis counseling, and low-interest loans for affected farmers.