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Published - Thursday, August 30, 2007
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Senator says flood victims should receive state money

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Flood victims in southeastern Minnesota should receive state money to cover the discrepancy between federal aid and the cost of damage to private property, one local lawmaker said Wednesday.

As legislators mull relief proposals for a possible special session this fall, Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, called for an aggressive package to aid uninsured owners of homes and businesses.
Murphy said grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency “aren’t the sole answer” for those victims. The FEMA grants are expected to give eligible property owners up to $28,200 for rental, medical, repair or partial replacement costs.

“We’ve got people that are homeless,” Murphy said. “Somebody’s going to have to step in and help these families make it.”

Murphy’s comments came after Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona, announced plans for a legislative hearing next week in Winona to assess damage to public infrastructure.

Pelowski is a member of the House Capital Investment Committee, which determines bonding needs for state infrastructure.

That committee will meet at 5 p.m. Sept. 5 at Winona City Hall to assess bonding needs resulting from flood damage in southeast Minnesota. The hearing — which the public can attend — will feature testimony from leaders of local counties, cities and townships.

Pelowski stressed that the hearing will directly guide legislative proposals and is more than just “a listening session.”

“We are here to begin to address, in a legislative way, what we can do with real numbers,” he said.

Repairs to dikes in Rushford and Houston likely will be a top priority in the discussions, Pelowski said.

FEMA dollars are expected to pay 75 percent of repair costs for public infrastructure, while Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Tuesday that state funds will make up most of the remainder.

But relief funding for private property remains a murkier proposition. Pawlenty said Tuesday that such packages should be based on previous relief efforts in the Red River Valley in 1997 and in Roseau in 2002.

Murphy acknowledged that his proposal for southeast Minnesota victims would be more generous than previous relief packages, but said that “we should have been doing that all along.”

Most uninsured victims who want to rebuild their homes simply won’t have the resources to do so, he said.

“A lot of people are just turning their keys in and allowing foreclosure,” Murphy said. “We can’t expect them to have two mortgages out on the same piece of property.”
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Megan wrote on Sep 6, 2007 9:36 AM:

" Hey Phil-I bet you also think the people of Rushford that lost their houses and everything else they own should pay their full property taxes for the 2007 year also right! Even the value of their property has declined since many people no longer have livable houses on their property! Think before you speak! What if this was happening to you?! You'd expect the whole state and country at your door step to help you I am sure of it! "

storm 2007 wrote on Sep 3, 2007 6:27 PM:

" We live no where near the flood plain, but we had a mudslide that tore our garage right off our house, filled the entry/tv room with 11 inches of mud,and our Insurance will not pay,Is'nt that great, these insurance company are gettin away with murder, we've been with this company 20 yrs. But guess what we're covered for a earthquake! figure that one out! something has to be done about these theives. "

Good grief! wrote on Sep 3, 2007 12:07 AM:

" The constant comments saying that the people affected by the flooding should of had flood insurance, or that it should be imposed on them now is Ridiculous! Many people that were affected lived in high areas that you would never think of flooding, it's not just Stockton, Rushford, MN City and Goodview that were affected. High places like Wytoka and us in Lewiston did too. It was just to much rain!! Try and be sensitive and realize that if you weren't flooded you were lucky!! Besides as others have stated, Flood insurance only covers a few things, it's not a god send. Please get the facts before you run off at the mouth! "

PHIL---rushford does not equal flood plain wrote on Aug 31, 2007 9:44 AM:

" Hey Phil the people of Rushford do not live on a floodplain. Great argument "

Grace wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:04 PM:

" looks too good to be true to me... to cover the discrepancy between federal aid and the cost of damage to private property? Nobody even knows how much it'll be yet. "

Expect to have a flood? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:04 PM:

" How could we expect our town (Rushford) to flood? No one was prepared for that to take place.....especially since we were "protected" by the federal levee system. Tax dollars paid for our flood system that failed us......we chose to live there because we thought we were protected.....not because we anticipated on collecting "big bucks" from you Phil. No matter where you live, disasters can take place. How is that our fault? Im pretty sure you would be registering with FEMA if your house was under water. Buzz Off...... "

Ezzee wrote on Aug 30, 2007 3:59 PM:

" Hey, insensitivity of Winona continues to run rampant. Isn't it amazing. "

Laura Snyder wrote on Aug 30, 2007 2:04 PM:

" Gotta "weigh in" back on this one...I wouldn't consider the natural disaster that occured in my hometown of Rushford, MN, on 8/20 a choice. The hundreds who were affected did not expect record rainfall in an area nor are they looking for you, sir, to pay for those damages. I'll be sure to send in an extra ten bucks with my health insurance premium to cover your next supersized meal at McDonald's. "

To everyone with the answer wrote on Aug 30, 2007 1:54 PM:

" It's just amazing, all of you who commented have everything figured out huh? But there's still alot of people in Rushford, Like my little girl who lives with her father there who have no home to go to, and hindsight is 20/20, so what should they do? Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda, Kindof late now! "

There are limitations on flood insurance but still get it wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:09 PM:

" No insurance is perfect. But, Flood insurance covers more than just concrete walls. Read the policy. While it doesn't cover basement furnishings and improvements, it does cover things like water heaters and furnaces and the basement structure. It also covers most things above ground (up to policy limits...with exceptions for limitations on jewelry, furs, etc. which also have limits under regular homeowner's insurance). It's unfortunately another reminder that in areas where water is a risk...it's not a good idea to use a basement as a living space with furnishings for this very reason. If you have a sump pump, you should buy the 'backup of sewer and drain endorsement' offered by homeowner's insurers. It pays when water enters through the floor drain, toilet or sump. It also covers during a power outtage. It's about $25 extra on your homeowner's policy. "

Phil Osifer wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:49 AM:

" Got to weigh in on this one, if you choose to live in a flood plain then expect to have a flood. BUT do not I repeat do not expect me to pay for you choice. Whether it's the insurance or Gov't aid. And yes ultimately we all pay higher insurance rates due to these payouts "

Shelley wrote on Aug 30, 2007 11:40 AM:

" " Thank you to the volunteers who came to my moms apt on Monday to help-Jessica, Donna, Sandy & Paul & their boys, the man with the truck who hauled boxes to storage, (whose name I didnt even get)...Its the generosity & kindness that means so much....The extra hands to carry out wet & stinky debris, was just so helpful-Thank you all! God Bless all the volunteers, who are giving their time, taking time off from work, all the donations given.....to everyone who has helped-Thank you! " "

Flood Insurance wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:50 AM:

" Flood insurance will not cover them for any thing more than cement block walls. Contrary to popular belief..it doesnt cover anything. Its not like fire or wind insurance. Its expensive and covers nothing. When will this myth be dispelled. I know, I lived in a flood plain and had flood insurance, and thank God, never needed it. "

FLOOD INSURANCE wrote on Aug 30, 2007 9:45 AM:

" WHY WOULD YOU TELL THESE PEOPLE TO GET FLOOD INSURANCE. I HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE AND I AM GETTING NOTHING OUT OF IT, BECAUSE THE WATER DID NOT HIT THE FIRST LEVEL OF MY HOUSE. IT WAS 3 INCHES AWAY. I PAY 864.00 A YEAR FOR THAT. I HAVE BEEN PAYING THAT FOR 9 YEARS THAT EQUALS 7,776 I COULD HAVE DONE A LOT IN MY BASEMENT FOR THAT. FLOOD INSURANCE IS A BIG SCAM. "

who knew? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:44 AM:

" If we had any idea whatsoever something like this was even remotely possible... we would have purchased flood insurance. I know I will carry it now. If you've seen some of the areas affected prior to the flood, there's no way you would think a lot of this devestation was even a possibilty. "

what do you not get?? wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:22 AM:

" Flood insurance only covers you if you are flooded by a body of water like a river or creek. There are plenty of people who had damage done just from the rain or mud slides. "

dakota 68 wrote on Aug 30, 2007 8:02 AM:

" have to love people in govt who will say anything to get re-elected how about just buying everyone a new home and a new car bet they will vote for you in the next election "

I have ZERO PROBLEMS with this plan as long as they agree in writing wrote on Aug 30, 2007 12:09 AM:

" to get flood insurance to cover them in the future....whether they are on a flood plain or not. "


The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Winona Daily News.

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