Dayton Urges Swift Action On Flood-Aid Package
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton says his administration needs Minnesota legislators to quickly approve a relief package for recovery costs related to last summer's severe flooding.
Dayton said he hopes an emergency bill will pass in the opening weeks of a legislative session that starts in early January. Administration officials estimated Thursday that at least $8.7 million is needed to cover a gap.
The money will match federal emergency aid and assist three county governments left out of the federal disaster declaration.
Minnesota had relied on a $3 million contingency account and was able to shift other dollars around. But Dayton says that money is tapped out.
Damage to public assets from summer storms topped $40 million and affected about half of Minnesota's 87 counties.
Dayton's team was to meet next week with top legislative officials.
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