Friends and neighbors,
The recent flooding across Minnesota has devastated many of our communities. I’ve seen the destruction caused by these heavy rains up close, and my heart goes out to all those affected. I’ve spoken to farmers whose fields are inundated. I have spoken to families with flooded and damaged basements. I’ve heard from small business owners and community leaders about the overwhelming nature of the cleanup process. There are tough stories from all over, highlighting the severe impact on many of our neighbors.
I’ve been working with state and local authorities to make sure our district receives the support it needs. As we begin the process of recovery, I want to provide you with some essential resources that may be helpful. You’ll find this information listed below. These resources include assistance for homeowners dealing with flood damage, information on insurance options, and more.
One urgent item for your to do list, if you’re a farmer: please report your crop losses to your local FSA as quickly as possible. It is a critical part in receiving a disaster declaration and activating federal emergency funds.
I am ready to assist how I can. If you’re having issues figuring out where to turn, challenges with government agencies, or need other support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
URGENT FARM CROP LOSS INFORMATION
As I said, it is critical that farmers report crop losses to their local USDA Farm Service Agent as soon as possible.
The US Secretary of Agriculture can designate counties as disaster areas, making emergency loans available. This process is already happening, but farmers can help by reporting their losses quickly. Counties need to record a 30% loss of one crop for it to be considered for disaster.
- Find your local FSA here: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Minnesota/index
County Updates
Local Emergency Management Personnel
First, be sure to report any damage to your local emergency management team, even if the amount of damage you received was small. Here is contact information for the emergency management personnel in our area:
- Dakota County Emergency Management: 651-438-4703 / 651-438-8302 or jenny.groskopf@co.dakota.mn.us
- Goodhue County Emergency Management: 651-267-2640 or earl.merchlewitz@co.goodhue.mn.us
- Rice County Emergency Management: 507-334-4391 or RCSheriff@co.rice.mn.us
- Scott County Emergency Management: 952-445-1411 or shaas@co.scott.mn.us
Disaster Recovery Guides
The state publishes several disaster recovery resources you might find helpful:
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency has disaster recovery resources for homeowners, renters, business owners, local officials, and more: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/disaster-recovery/Pages/homeowners-renters.aspx
- The Department of Commerce provides a detailed disaster information: packet: https://mn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/disaster-information.pdf
- The Department of Commerce also has information that will help guide homeowners who have experienced flood damage: https://mn.gov/commerce/insurance/home/dic/after-the-disaster.jsp
- UMN Extension flood resources: https://extension.umn.edu/news/extreme-weather-resources
- Department of Agriculture flood resources: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/flood-resources
For questions regarding insurance claims
You can also check out the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center. They will help you understand your rights and answer questions you might have regarding possible insurance claims.
Here’s how to reach them:
By phone: (800) 657-3602
By email: emailconsumer.protection@state.mn.us
Online: https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/your-home/protect/dic/