“Significant Damage to Public Infrastructure,” Mower County Requests Disaster Declaration Following Heavy Rain & Flooding
Austin, MN (KROC-AM News)- Mower County has requested a disaster declaration from the state of Minnesota.
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The southeast Minnesota County was in the bullseye of two storm systems that hit in less than a week that produced heavy rainfall totals that prompted flash flooding.
The National Weather Service indicates some locations across the county received more than a foot of rain July 2-8.
The heavy rainfall prompted closures of multiple roads, including Interstate 90 and led to rescues of trapped residents. Authorities reported all stranded people were accounted for and no one was injured.
Mower County Reports "Significant Damage to Public Infrastructure" In Request for Disaster Declaration
A news release issued Tuesday by the Mower County Sheriff’s Office announcing the disaster declaration says the heavy rain “caused significant damage to public infrastructure and resulted in substantial emergency response and recovery costs.”
Officials determined the recovery costs have exceeded Mower County’s resources “making state assistance necessary to help restore essential public services while reducing the financial impact on local taxpayers,” the news release says.
If the state funding is approved, the money would go towards removing debris, emergency protective measures and repairs to damaged roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities.
Read More: I-90 Reopens After Heavy Rain Prompts Flooding in Mower County
Mower County residents have also been asked to fill out a damage assessment form.
“The funding will support the County, City and Townships ongoing recovery efforts and help return public infrastructure to safe and usable condition as quickly as possible,” the news release says.
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