FEMA funding available for flooding areas in Minnesota

Minnesota flooding concerns rising with water levels

For only the ninth time in 60 years, the Army Corps of Engineers opened up the gate at St. Anthony Falls to allow extra water through and prevent flooding upstream.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted money to portions of Minnesota that were affected by flooding this spring.

Gov. Tim Walz wrote to President Joe Biden on June 28 requesting the funds, which were approved on Thursday. The federal funding will help with the recovery efforts for areas affected by severe storms and flooding from April 11-30, 2023.

"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 on Friday. "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."

Affected areas include 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.

Additionally, residents and businesses might be able to receive funds through FEMA or low-interest loans through the Small Business Association. FEMA and SBA are going to determine eligibility, according to Walz.