More Than Six Million In Assistance Approved For Minnesota Disaster Victims 

Release Date: June 29, 2001
Release Number: 1370-24

» More Information on Minnesota Flooding

St Paul, MN -- In the six weeks since President Bush declared a major disaster in Minnesota, $6,301,000 has been approved for disaster assistance to help individuals, families and business owners recover from damages caused by flooding, tornadoes and severe storms. These figures were announced by officials from the Minnesota Division of Emergency Management (DEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The deadline to apply for assistance has been extended to July 31 in consideration of the counties added to the declaration within the last two weeks as a result of damages incurred from more recent severe weather and tornadoes. Those who suffered damage in the disaster--declared counties are urged to apply for disaster assistance by calling 1 800 462--9029, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The number for the hearing and speech impaired is 1 800 462--7585.

A total of 65 Minnesota counties are eligible to receive some type of federal--state disaster assistance. At the close of business on June 28, the following numbers of people have applied for or received assistance:

(153 approved for homeowners/renters for $2,610,300; 27 approved for business owners for $1,642,500)
(See a county breakdown of disaster applications and housing grant approvals attached.)

Eighty (80) applications have been made for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in the eligible counties. DUA is available through the nearest Minnesota Department of Economic Security (DES) office for those in the most recent storms who lost income because of the disaster, including farmers, farm workers, migrant farm workers, and other self--employed individuals. The deadline for filing an application with DES for those affected in the counties made eligible for DUA on June 6 is July 6th; for those counties made eligible on June 15, the deadline for filing an application is July 16th, and those added thereafter, the deadline is July 26. An application for DUA and more information about the program can be found on the DES website: www.mnworkforcecenter.org, or call 1--888--438--5627 for more information.

SBA Continues Informational Workshops

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will continue to staff workshops in two Minnesota locations where applicants can get answers to their questions about the disaster loan program and help in completing their SBA applications. The Brainerd office will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing July 6th at 12:00 nooon. The Willmar office will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The offices will be closed July 4th.

Brainerd Public Library
416 5th Street
Brainerd

Kandiyohi County Public Health Building
2200 23rd Street NE -- Suite 1090
Willmar

SBA officials urge applicants to complete their loan paperwork as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the loan application is not returned it will delay other forms of disaster assistance.

Communities Apply for Infrastructure Assistance

Local governments have made 917 requests for assistance from the FEMA/DEM Public Assistance Program, which provides funds for the repair of public facilities such as roads, bridges, public buildings and utilities, and for debris removal. Certain private non--profit organizations that operate eligible facilities may qualify for assistance. So far, $1,522,653 has been obligated for helping communities in the recovery process.

Looking towards the future

For those who suffered severe damage to homes and businesses, rebuilding can be a time of planning to reduce future costs in lives and property. Rebuilding options can include constructing a safe room and using building techniques that offer more reinforcement against wind damage. To learn about mitigation techniques, check out the DEM web site at www.dem.state.mn.us and the FEMA web site at www.fema.gov.

"Disasters are never pleasant, but advance family preparation makes these events safer and recovery easier," FEMA's federal coordinating officer Jim Roche said. "Make your property flood resistant by moving electrical units and appliances out of harm's way, landscape defensively, or even elevate your home. Assess your hazards and plan your strategy to make your home and your community more disaster resistant."

"The rule of thumb for the overall rebuilding process is common sense," Kevin Leuer, director and state coordinating officer, DEM, said. "Take your time, talk to building and floodplain officials, deal cautiously with contractors and the recovery process will be a positive one."

Last Modified: Tuesday, 21-Oct-2003 14:23:32