WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Biden administration has approved Minnesota’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration. Last month, Klobuchar and Smith led the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation in urging President Biden to approve Minnesota’s request, highlighting the need for federal assistance to help Minnesota communities recover from storms and historic flooding.
“We’ve seen the impact of these storms and flooding in homes, businesses, and on our roads,” said Klobuchar. “I’m glad that the administration heeded my call to provide this federal disaster relief funding, which will be critical to helping communities across our state get the assistance they need.”
“Climate-fueled extreme weather has impacted every corner of our state,” said Smith. “In the face of historic flooding, Minnesotans showed their resilience and generosity. When flood waters rose and homes were damaged, volunteers and neighbors were quick to fill sandbags, clean up debris, and lend a hand to those in need. But impacted communities need substantive and timely federal assistance to speed up the recovery effort. I’m proud of our efforts to secure this support, which will go a long way towards helping communities rebuild.”
Klobuchar and Smith have been actively working to secure resources for communities throughout the state that have been impacted by the recent flooding damage and the cold, wet spring weather. In June, they surveyed flooding and storm damage in International Falls with Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) and representatives from the Minnesota National Guard and Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM).
At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing in May, Klobuchar and Smith secured Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s commitment to provide disaster assistance for farmers affected by adverse weather. Earlier in May, Klobuchar and Smith led the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide federal assistance for impacted Minnesota farmers. Also in May, Klobuchar held a virtual roundtable with local officials from across the state to discuss their ongoing efforts to support communities affected by the severe adverse weather.
English