Minn. Officials Ask For Quick Disaster Declaration

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison are asking President Barack Obama to quickly issue a disaster declaration for parts of the Twin Cities area hit by a tornado last weekend.

The trio sent the president a letter on Sunday asking for an expedited presidential disaster declaration for Hennepin and Anoka counties.

A federal preliminary damage assessment found the storm caused over $16 million in damage to public infrastructure, as well as widespread damage to homes and businesses in the area.

The declaration would permit the Federal Emergency Management Agency to supplement state and local relief efforts.

The tornado produced winds up to 110 miles per hour and left a trail of damage more than 14 miles long and up to one-half mile wide.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)