Governor Pawlenty was notified by FEMA that his request for Individual Assistance for flood victims in southern Minnesota has been denied. As a result, the Governor is requesting a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration for the counties of Blue Earth, Dodge, Faribault, Goodhue, Martin, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Watonwan as a result of flooding that began September 22.

Late last night, President Obama declared a federal disaster for 21 counties in Minnesota. The federal declaration included FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program for debris removal, and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities. It also included federal Hazard Mitigation Grants. Individual Assistance – help with housing needs and necessary expenses for homeowners and renters – was still under review by FEMA as of last night.

If the SBA disaster declaration is granted, SBA would provide low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in the declared disaster area.

Earlier today, Governor Pawlenty announced that a Special Session of the legislature will convene on October 18, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. in order to address the state’s share of flood relief.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) will open three disaster recovery centers (DRC) in Steele, Martin, and Wabasha counties, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. The DRCs allow area residents and businesses impacted by flooding to get answers about their uninsured disaster related losses. Representative from several state agencies will provide resources to assist people in their recovery.

The Governor’s letter to the SBA is attached.

Click here to read the Governor's letter