KLGR-area counties eligible for federal disaster assistance from May storms, tornadoes

Redwood, Renville, and Kandiyohi Counties are among 23 in Minnesota now eligible for federal disaster assistance funds to help with recovery efforts from the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that hit Minnesota on May 8 – 13 of this year.

According to FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, public assistance federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures.

Total damage around the state is estimated at $11 million. The federal grants will help pay for repairs and replacement of facilities, roads, and bridges.

Six tornadoes touched down on May 9 in southeastern and central Minnesota. There were five twisters on May 11 from southwestern Minnesota through the northeastern Twin Cities. Also, violent storms on May 12th and 13th in the southern two thirds of the state spawned at least six tornadoes in west central Minnesota.

The list of eligible counties includes Aitkin, Big Stone, Cass, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Douglas, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Morrison, Nobles, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin and Yellow Medicine counties.