FEMA disaster declaration will mean support for Cook County storm damage
In the wake of the severe weather of the past several weeks, on Jul. 1, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for the state of Minnesota. The significant rainfall resulted in flooding in several parts of the state, and infrastructure damage, including in Cook County.
With the federal recognition of the disaster comes the opportunity for local governments in qualifying counties to receive reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for repairs to public infrastructure. Cook County Emergency Manager Mike Keyport told WTIP that for a county to qualify, they must reach a threshold of damage. Those thresholds are determined in part by population. Based on the low population in Cook County, and the significant road damage that the rain caused, Cook County has qualified for the federal assistance.
Keyport went on to say that some funding can also come from the state of Minnesota. He said that as individuals and business owners have reported property damage to him, he shares it with the state. At this time, for individuals looking for financial assistance, reimbursement may come from the state coffers. Keyport said, however, that based on the damage reported so far, the state overall may end up qualifying for FEMA funds for individuals, in addition to the current support for public infrastructure repairs.
While the bulk of the damage in Cook County occurred Jun. 18 and 19, Keyport explained that when a disaster event is declared, the state establishes a start and end date. The official start date for this particular event is Jun. 16. The state has yet to formally close the event, due to the additional severe weather that has contributed to further damage and difficulty containing flooding. He said that when the state declares an end date, he will have 30 days to submit any documentation of damages for the state to evaluate for reimbursement.
The property damage across Minnesota has varied widely, but Keyport said that any significant damage is worth individuals reporting. He said that the best way for Cook County residents to report their damage is to contact his office. Those reporting damage will need to fill out a form and submit any photos and repair cost estimates to Keyport. His email is mike.keyport@co.cook.mn.us, and his office phone number is 218-387-3059.
WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke to Cook County Emergency Manager Mike Keyport about what the FEMA disaster declaration means for Minnesotans, and how Cook County residents can report property damage that is the result of the recent severe weather. Audio of that interview is below.
Kirsten Wisniewski July 5, 2024
