[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced he has requested a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration that would free up low-interest loans to help property owners rebuild after civil unrest caused extensive property damage in the wake of George Floyd’s death. The Governor has spent the last months listening to business and home owners following the civil unrest, including a visit today to business owners along Lake Street in Minneapolis.

“We need to work together to support Minnesotans who lost their homes and businesses to this destruction – that’s why we’ve asked our federal partners to step in,” said Governor Walz. “We remain committed to working with the impacted communities to restore their vitality in the wake of this damage.”

Nearly 1,500 Twin Cities businesses were damaged by vandalism, fire, or looting. Current estimates of the damage exceed $500,000,000. On July 2, Governor Walz requested a major disaster declaration to provide public assistance and hazard mitigation assistance, which was denied. The Governor is in the process of appealing that decision.