Skip standard sub page navigationsFEMA.gov - U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Image of an American Flag
Disaster tabEmergency tabEducation tabMediaRegions
Home » News » 2004
» Search Tips
News Releases
Current Disasters
Current FEMA News
News Releases Archives
USFA Press Releases
Photo Archive
Press Releases - News, Media Advisories and Disaster Updates

President Declares Major Disaster For Minnesota Floods

Release Date: October 7, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-222

Printer friendly version icon

» Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding

» Federal Aid Programs For Minnesota Disaster Recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has declared a major disaster for Minnesota, opening the way for the use of federal disaster funds to help meet the recovery needs of flood-stricken people and communities in the southeastern part of the state.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action following a review of FEMA’s analysis of the state’s request for federal assistance. The declaration covers damage to private and public property from severe storms and flooding that began on September 14.

After the declaration, Brown designated the counties of Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower and Steele eligible for federal aid to affected residents that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state and affected local governments and certain private non-profit organizations in the five designated counties to pay 75 percent of the eligible costs for the restoration of damaged facilities. The funding also covers eligible state and local government costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the disaster.

Under the declaration, federal funding also will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks, Brown said. He indicated that additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Thomas J. Costello of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate federal recovery operations. Costello said that affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

As a result of the intense disaster activity in the past weeks, FEMA’s toll-free teleregistration line is receiving an extremely high call volume. Additional call centers and registrars have been added and callers are advised that if they get a busy signal, to try the call again later, or after 6 p.m. Individuals can also find valuable recovery information on the agency’s Web Site at http://www.fema..gov

FEMA is asking the public’s assistance in managing call volume to support the agency’s effort to prioritize help to those with the greatest need. Owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses are urged to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. Hurricane victims with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.


Last Updated: Thursday, 07-Oct-2004 18:04:54
footer graphic
DHS.gov | FEMA Español | Privacy Policy | Accessibility | Site Help | Site Index | Contact Us | FEMA Home
footer graphic
FEMA 500 C Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20472 Phone: (202) 566-1600