ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House has approved a $167.5 million flood package designed to rebuild washed-out roads, repair flooded businesses and damaged houses and restore damaged parks after severe floods.

The bill passed 125-3 on Friday after debate lasting less than an hour.

It now heads to the Senate. If approved there, it will go directly to Gov. Mark Dayton, who intends to sign it quickly.

Democratic Rep. John Ward of Brainerd says the aid package will provide “a lot of hope, a lot of help for people whose lives have been turned upside down.”

Parts of Duluth sustained extensive damage during flash floods in mid-June. Other communities in northeastern Minnesota and further south were also hit. The bill also addresses damage in a northern area after an early July windstorm.

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