Flood Recovery Assistance for Families and Business Owners

Unfortunately, southern Minnesota has experienced a significant number of natural disasters in the recent past. While the initial debris removal may be over in a matter of weeks, it often takes communities, families and businesses months to years to fully recover.  The following is a list of resources available for those trying to recover from a disaster.  If you have additional questions or concerns after reviewing the information, please contact either the Mankato or the Rochester office for assistance.

• Business Owners
• Children
  
• Cleaning Up After a Disaster
• Crisis Counseling
• Disaster Unemployment Services
• Farmers
• Individual Assistance from FEMA
• National Flood Insurance Program
• Pets
• Tax Deductions for Disaster Victims
  
• Veterans
  

On October 13, 2010, President Obama issues a Major Disaster Declaration for certain counties in Minnesota as a result of flooding.  This declaration makes communities in included counties eligible for federal funding to replace or repair public infrastructure.

Private non-profits may be eligible to apply for low-interest disaster assitance loans from the Small Business Administration. Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT or by sending an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Individuals and families impacted by flooding may qualify for weatherization assistance from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Individuals interested in learning more about weatherization assistance should call the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Energy Info Center at 1-800-657-3710. Minnesota's Quick Start Program is also available to assist individuals and families. More information can be found online by clicking here.

Households and businesses may also qualify for low-interest SBA disaster recovery loans. You can apply online for an SBA loan by clicking here.

Rep. Walz meets with Red Cross volunteers in Truman, Minnesota.

Rep. Walz and State Senator Julie Rosen thank first responders in Truman.

Rep. Walz and Owatonna Council President Les Abraham survey a collapsed basement wall in Owatonna.