State approves disaster assistance for St. Louis County

Governor Tim Walz has approved a request from seven counties, including St. Louis County, providing state public disaster assistance for to assist with response, clean up and repair costs related to a winter storm that struck the region in December. Heavy snow and high winds resulted in many downed trees and branches blocking roads and causing widespread power outages. The St. Louis County Board passed a resolution declaring a State of Local Disaster due to conditions resulting from the storm.

The preliminary damage assessment for St. Louis County totaled $760,630. State disaster assistance will provide reimbursement for 75% of those costs. Of the $570,473 the county will receive, funds will be divided between electric co-ops, multiple snowmobile clubs for costs to clear debris from trails, and the county’s Public Works Department for costs to clear roadways.

Other counties affected by the storm and receiving state assistance include Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Lincoln, and Pine counties. Total damage amounts compiled by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management was nearly $4.5 million.