Last week, Senator David Senjem (R-Rochester) joined Governor Tim Walz and other local and state officials for a tour of flood damage in southeastern Minnesota. The delegation included city, county, and state officials from across the region.

“I’m glad the governor made the trip down to our area to see the many problems caused by the recent rainfalls and flooding,” Senator Senjem said. “Some communities received between 12 and 16 inches of rainfall over a very short period of time, which has had a tremendous impact on area infrastructure and attractions. There is a significant amount of damage – and that damage comes with a big cost. We will continue to partner with the governor and our state agencies to make sure our region can recover quickly.” 

In addition to meeting with Dodge County officials in Mantorville, the delegation also toured Oxbow Park in Byron. Each of the areas were hit by multiple heavy rainfalls and flooding that caused extensive damage. According to local officials, several county and state highways were underwater and impassable as a result of the severe weather – resulting in millions of dollars in damage to roads, bridges, and parks across the region.

“In many of the communities, this is a full-scale natural disaster. We must work together – and do so quickly – to make sure our communities have the resources they need to address this natural disaster at the local, state, and federal level,” Senator Senjem said.

Senator David Senjem, of Rochester, represents Dodge and Olmsted counties in the Minnesota Senate. Senator Senjem serves as chairman of the Senate Capital Investment Committee and is a former majority leader and minority leader.