Gov. Tim Pawlenty, anticipating a federal disaster declaration for southern Minnesota, has set Oct. 11 as the tentative date for a special legislative session to address the state's share of flood relief.
Pawlenty requested the disaster declaration in a letter to President Obama on Friday, citing a preliminary damage estimate of $64.1 million. Under a disaster declaration, the federal government would cover 75 percent of eligible costs. During the session, legislators will act on covering the remaining 25 percent.
Pawlenty said he expects the session to last no more than a day.
"Our fellow Minnesotans are suffering and in need of swift action by their government at this time," Pawlenty said in a written statement.
If held as planned, the session will come within three weeks of flooding caused by severe storms that began Sept. 22.
The governor's request for federal individual assistance applies to Blue Earth, Dodge, Faribault, Goodhue, Martin, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Watonwan counties.
Public assistance is requested for Blue Earth, Cottonwood, Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Goodhue, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Mower, Murray, Olmsted, Pipestone, Rice, Rock, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, and Winona counties. Public assistance covers debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities.
If granted, a federal disaster declaration will make designated counties eligible for a range of federal disaster programs that could include disaster unemployment assistance, individual and household assistance, small business disaster loans, crisis counseling, and low-interest loans for affected farmers.
Additional counties could be added as the damage assessments continue.
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