Senator Amy Klobuchar

Working for the People of Minnesota

Press Contact

Joel Gross
Press Secretary
(202) 224-3244

News Releases

Sen. Klobuchar and Rep. Walz Successful in Pushing for Extension of Deadline for SE Minnesotans to Apply for Disaster Aid

Action Klobuchar and Walz asked for will help SE Minnesota residents continue to rebuild after suffering from devastating floods

October 20, 2007

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Representative Tim Walz announced that Minnesota residents who fell victim to the severe flooding in Southeastern Minnesota between August 18th – 31st will have more time to apply for disaster aid.  In a letter sent Friday afternoon, Klobuchar and Walz pushed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to extend the deadline.
 
Within hours of receiving the letter, FEMA and the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) announced they would extend the deadline to November 14th.
 
“The strength of these communities has been absolutely amazing,” said Klobuchar. “They saw entire communities destroyed, lives lost, and devastation on a scale that is almost unimaginable.  We must do everything we can to help them rebuild their communities and extending this deadline to apply for federal assistance is good news for Minnesotans. ”
 
"We are pleased that FEMA and the SBA share our concerns," said Walz.  "Recovering from a disaster of this magnitude is a very labor and time intensive process and it is important that the federal government provide people as much latitude as possible to get their application paperwork filed."
 
With people continuing to register every day, Klobuchar and Walz stated that they didn’t want people with uninsured damages to their homes or businesses to miss the opportunity to register.  Klobuchar and Walz have both made staff members available to local residents to help them where possible to apply for disaster assistance.
 
Rushford’s Mayor, Les Ladewig welcomed the news stating, “This announcement will make a difference. I am hopeful that we'll be able to reach those that haven't yet applied.”
 
Senator Klobuchar and Walz have visited SE Minnesota several times since the flooding to meet with local residents and business owners to discuss the progress being made toward re-opening businesses and community facilities and rebuilding homes.
 
Klobuchar and Walz have continued to push for federal and state action and their staffs have been actively working on the ground to assist area residents and businesses.
 
According to FEMA, Nov. 14th will be the last day for residents to apply for state and federal disaster assistance to help them recover from the severe storms and flooding. Additionally, Nov. 14 will be the deadline for submitting applications for low-interest disaster loans to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  Anyone needing assistance with their SBA application can call 1-800-659-2955.
 
Attached is the letter Sen. Klobuchar and Rep. Walz sent to federal officials.
 
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