On January 29, 2025, Governor Tim Walz announced that Olmsted County, along with five other counties in Minnesota, will receive state disaster assistance to help recover from severe flooding and thunderstorms that occurred during the summer of 2024. This funding aims to address damage to public infrastructure caused by the extreme weather events.
Key Takeaways
- Olmsted County is among six counties receiving state disaster assistance.
- The aid is specifically for public infrastructure damage from flooding between June 16 and July 4, 2024.
- The total estimated damage in Olmsted County is around $700,000, with the state covering approximately 75% of the costs.
- The assistance will not cover individual damages, as the county did not meet the federal threshold for individual aid.
Overview Of The Disaster Assistance
The severe weather that struck Minnesota in the summer of 2024 resulted in significant damage across several counties. Governor Walz’s authorization of emergency assistance is a response to the extensive damage caused by flooding and thunderstorms. The counties receiving aid include:
- Olmsted County
- Dakota County
- Lyon County
- Ramsey County
- Scott County
- Isanti County (for damage from thunderstorms on August 26, 2024)
Funding Details
The total damage reported in Olmsted County is approximately $700,000. The state will provide funding to cover about 75% of these costs, amounting to roughly $525,000. However, the distribution of these funds depends on various local entities, including the city of Rochester, townships, and school districts, applying for the aid.
- Total Damage: $700,000
- State Coverage: 75% (approximately $525,000)
- Remaining Burden: 25% to be covered by local taxpayers
Challenges In Individual Assistance
Despite the significant damage, Olmsted County did not qualify for individual assistance programs typically offered by FEMA. This is primarily due to not meeting the federal damage threshold, which is determined by the extent of damage reported. According to Jonathan Jacobson, a captain in the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, only about 150 residents participated in damage surveys, which may have contributed to the county’s inability to qualify for additional federal aid.
Community Response
The community’s response to the flooding has been proactive, with many local entities already undertaking cleanup efforts. While some organizations may receive reimbursements sooner, others may face a longer wait, potentially up to a year, for the state assistance to be processed. The state’s aid is intended to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers, as the funds will reimburse costs already incurred during the cleanup efforts.
Conclusion
The authorization of disaster assistance for Olmsted County marks a significant step towards recovery from the severe weather events of 2024. Governor Walz expressed gratitude for the efforts of Minnesota’s emergency management team in coordinating the response and ensuring that communities receive the necessary support to rebuild and recover from the damages sustained during the summer storms.
Sources
- Olmsted County among six counties to receive disaster assistance – ABC 6 News – kaaltv.com, kaaltv.com.
- Gov. Walz authorizes state disaster assistance for Olmsted County, five other counties, KTTC News.
