Klobuchar, Smith Lead Entire Minnesota Bipartisan Congressional Delegation in Urging Biden Administration to Approve Minnesota’s Request for Disaster Declaration

MINNEAPOLIS - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and U.S. Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Dean Phillips (D-MN-03), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), and Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) urged the Biden Administration to approve Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to help communities that are working to recover from severe weather and flooding. Once this disaster declaration is approved, the federal government will be able to provide disaster assistance for various recovery and rebuilding efforts.

"We write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act to assist communities that are working to recover from severe storms and flooding. These natural disasters have caused significant damage, and we ask that you quickly grant approval for federal disaster assistance," said the lawmakers.

The lawmakers continued, "Time and time again, Minnesotans have stepped up to support their neighbors after natural disasters. When flood waters rise and homes are damaged, volunteers and neighbors are quick to fill sandbags, clean up debris, and lend a hand to those in need. Impacted communities will repair the damage and rebuild following these disasters, but rapid federal assistance will speed up this recovery effort. We strongly support Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration and ask that you grant its approval without delay."

Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act to assist communities that are working to recover from severe storms and flooding. These natural disasters have caused significant damage, and we ask that you quickly grant approval for federal disaster assistance.

Since May, Minnesota has experienced extreme wet weather patterns including historic rain, tornadoes, and hailstorms. Starting on June 11, Northern Minnesota endured large rainstorms with some areas receiving as much as six inches of rain in a 12-hour period. In recent weeks, severe storms with heavy and continued precipitation has caused major flooding throughout the state. Rivers throughout the state are expected to remain in major flood stage for at least one to two weeks, and the Mississippi River is expected to crest this weekend at a record level in Saint Paul.

State and local emergency management teams and the Minnesota National Guard have responded to impacted areas. While the full impact of the damage is not yet known, a number of counties have provided initial damage estimates, and the state emergency management teams have determined that response efforts and damages will exceed the threshold for federal assistance under the Stafford Act through a Major Disaster Declaration. Governor Walz has submitted an official request for disaster assistance for an ongoing incident period starting June 16, 2024. The request, dated June 26, 2024, covers 42 counties and statewide hazard mitigation. In addition to public infrastructure assistance, it is critical that Minnesotans receive strong federal support to recover from serious damages to their homes, farms, and businesses.

Time and time again, Minnesotans have stepped up to support their neighbors after natural disasters. When flood waters rise and homes are damaged, volunteers and neighbors are quick to fill sandbags, clean up debris, and lend a hand to those in need. Impacted communities will repair the damage and rebuild following these disasters, but rapid federal assistance will speed up this recovery effort.

We strongly support Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration and ask that you grant its approval without delay.

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Permalink: https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/6/klobuchar-smith-lead-entire-minnesota-bipartisan-congressional-delegation-in-urging-biden-administration-to-approve-minnesota-s-request-for-disaster-declaration