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Area legislators including Representatives Bob Gunther (R-District 24 A), Paul Torkelson (R-District 21) and Senator Julie Rosen (R-District 24) were called back to St. Paul on Monday for a two hour special legislative session. According to a press release by Rep. Paul Torkelson, “Legislators helped bring much-needed relief to flood ravaged areas of southern Minnesota.” The session follows a Presidential disaster declaration and weeks of fact finding as to the cost of the losses incurred in September.
“Many of our area friends and neighbors are struggling , so I’m glad we were able to quickly approve a relief package for them,” said Rep. Torkelson. “This is exactly what government is supposed to do in a time of tragedy, and I’m pleased we were able to get the job done.”
The nearly $80 million package is mainly dedicated to flood disaster relief in 21 impacted counties, including Watonwan County, which have all been declared federal disaster area. Some details of the flood recovery legislation include:
• Funding to repair bridges and roads that were severely damaged.
• State assistance for homes and businesses damaged by flooding
• Funding to remove debris scattered throughout the impacted counties
• Funding to assist farmers.
More than $6 million was also dedicated in the bill to the Wadena area to assist residents in dealing with tornado damage from earlier this summer.
“Many small businesses and home owners will have financial needs as a result of the flood,” said Rep. Gunther. “All of us will be looking for other sources where assistance can be made available.” Gunther added, “I’ll be doing some calling today.”
Sen. Julie Rosen gave exact figures of the relief package which included:
• 15 million for damaged state highway infrastructure and local roads and bridges
Area legislators including Representatives Bob Gunther (R-District 24 A), Paul Torkelson (R-District 21) and Senator Julie Rosen (R-District 24) were called back to St. Paul on Monday for a two hour special legislative session. According to a press release by Rep. Paul Torkelson, “Legislators helped bring much-needed relief to flood ravaged areas of southern Minnesota.” The session follows a Presidential disaster declaration and weeks of fact finding as to the cost of the losses incurred in September.
“Many of our area friends and neighbors are struggling , so I’m glad we were able to quickly approve a relief package for them,” said Rep. Torkelson. “This is exactly what government is supposed to do in a time of tragedy, and I’m pleased we were able to get the job done.”
The nearly $80 million package is mainly dedicated to flood disaster relief in 21 impacted counties, including Watonwan County, which have all been declared federal disaster area. Some details of the flood recovery legislation include:
• Funding to repair bridges and roads that were severely damaged.
• State assistance for homes and businesses damaged by flooding
• Funding to remove debris scattered throughout the impacted counties
• Funding to assist farmers.
More than $6 million was also dedicated in the bill to the Wadena area to assist residents in dealing with tornado damage from earlier this summer.
“Many small businesses and home owners will have financial needs as a result of the flood,” said Rep. Gunther. “All of us will be looking for other sources where assistance can be made available.” Gunther added, “I’ll be doing some calling today.”
Sen. Julie Rosen gave exact figures of the relief package which included:
• 15 million for damaged state highway infrastructure and local roads and bridges
