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Each damaged household without insurance will qualify for up to $28,600 in aid for rental, medical, repair or partial replacement costs, said David Paulison, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
It was not immediately clear what steps, if any, the state government might take to help bridge the gap between the $28,600 value and what it will ultimately cost to recover from the weekend floods that damaged or destroyed an estimated 4,200 homes.
Those affected by the floods, including renters and small business owners, can register immediately with FEMA by calling a toll-free number or visiting a Web site.
In addition to private assistance, FEMA will provide money for public infrastructure damaged by the floods, including roads and government buildings, Paulison said. The state will have to cover the costs initially and claim reimbursement from FEMA.
Paulison said federal money will also go toward hazard mitigation programs to help prevent future flooding by building dikes or levees.
Along with Paulison, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Gov. Tim Pawlenty flew over the flood-ravaged area by helicopter Thursday. The three landed in Winona, where they held a press conference on the Winona State University campus.
Pawlenty said he will be on the ground again Friday to survey the damage, and extra FEMA agents will come and begin meeting with individual flood victims.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of flood victims packed a public meeting at a Winona church where they vented frustration and looked for answers from local officials. About 50 people filled the city hall in Stockton to ask FEMA spokeswoman Melynda Petrie about the help that might be coming.
A preliminary American Red Cross survey identified about 4,200 homes in the area affected by the flood, including 256 complete losses and 338 with major damage. Bridges and roads also were damaged.
In Stockton, Mayor Jack Roberts said he and his wife took out a federally backed $10,000 loan at 4 percent after flooding damaged their home in 1991. That money helped them repair it. They’ve moved to a different part of Stockton and their home was undamaged this time.
The town was a mess on Thursday. Residents piled their muddy, ruined belongings along the sides of the streets. Tractors mingled with cars on U.S. 14. The city hall has turned into a hub of activity, with bottled water stacked high, a Red Cross truck serving hot dogs. City Clerk Bethany Winchester said she usually takes 10 calls a day on the city’s lone phone line, which is also its fax line.
Now, “As soon as somebody hangs up it’s ringing again,” she said.
After the declaration was made, Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand said he was glad to see wheels turning to work toward a solution after “six long days.”
“It’s going to be a great help,” he said.
To register
All homeowners, renters and small business owners without insurance displaced by the floods may register with FEMA.
Call: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
Online: www.fema.gov
Go to: Temporary field offices
sCAM warning
Officials are warning residents to be cautious of anyone claiming to represent the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Some scam artists work areas hit by disasters, claiming to be with FEMA and asking for personal information like bank account numbers, credit card numbers or Social Security numbers.
Residents must contact FEMA officials, not the other way around.
Kevin Behr can be contacted at (507) 453-3524 or at kevin.behr@lee.net. This story includes information from the Associated Press.
