Goodhue County included in federal disaster declaration

A major federal disaster declaration has been issued for 13 Minnesota counties, including Goodhue County, and three tribal nations, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced Friday.

Gov. Mark Dayton requested the declaration last week after severe storms and flooding caused more than $108 million in damages and cleanup and repair costs throughout the state, according to preliminary assessments.

The declaration includes public assistance, which will open up federal funds to state and local government and some private non-profit organizations for work and repairs. It also will help fund hazard mitigation to reduce risks from natural hazards caused by the storms. FEMA will fund 75 percent of the approved costs for work such as debris removal, repairs and replacements of bridges, roads, and buildings and any emergency services related to the disaster.

The county has roughly $450,000 in damage, Goodhue County Office of Emergency Management director Diane Richter-Biwer said last week.

The declaration does not include relief for individuals or businesses in Goodhue County.

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