Flood-stricken counties reap $17.3M in state aid

The counties hit hardest by heavy rains and floods last spring are about to reap $17.3 million in state disaster aid.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed legislation last week that will speed flood and disaster relief to 40 counties and three tribal governments to help repair roads and infrastructure.

The money is going to the 37 counties designated as federal disaster areas after the storms, and three more that fell just short of qualifying for federal aid, as well as the governments of three tribes: Red Lake Band of Chippewa, Prairie Island Indian Community and Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Almost $12 million will go to flood and disaster relief, $3 million will match Federal Highway Administration emergency funds and $2.4 million will go to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to repair conservation areas.