[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that President Joe Biden has approved his request for a major disaster declaration for 23 counties across Minnesota and one tribal nation impacted by severe storms and flooding in April.

“I’m grateful to our federal partners for their support and recognition of the challenge this spring’s historic flooding season brought for so many Minnesotans,” said Governor Walz. “Even as Minnesota navigates a drought, communities across the state are still working to recover from damage to facilities during this spring’s weeks of unprecedented flooding. The state will continue to support impacted residents, businesses, and communities in every way we can in partnership with the federal government’s efforts.”

Governor Walz wrote to the President requesting this declaration on June 28. Recovery assistance has been approved for Aitkin, Big Stone, Carlton, Chippewa, Clay, Grant, Houston, Kittson, Lac qui Parle, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Morrison, Norman, Pine, Pope, Renville, Roseau, St. Louis, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties and the Prairie Island Indian Community.

This federal disaster declaration unlocks public assistance for these counties and tribal nations to assist with emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Association (SBA) are going to make assessments to determine eligibility for impacted residents and businesses to obtain Individual Assistance through FEMA or low interest loans through SBA. Once assessments are made, they will undergo an approval process for authorization.