By: Sheila Crowley
Murray County News Staffwriter
Friday, July 6th, Governor Mark Dayton, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Commissioner Dave Frederickson, along with Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Joe Kelly, toured areas of Murray County affected by recent torrential rains causing significant flooding.
The Governor has declared a state of emergency for 36 Minnesota counties following the torrential rains, and flash flooding. Of those 36 counties, 23 have declared states of emergency already.
A state of emergency declaration directs all state agencies to assist local and county authorities with their severe weather response and allows the state to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a preliminary damage assessment. If the damages exceed $7.7 million, Minnesota is eligible for a federal disaster declaration.
Following the tour of the area, they gathered at Murray County 4-H building to hear from concerned officials as well as individuals in regards to the issues they are facing as a result of the flooding.
Dayton opened the meeting by stating he was sorry he had to visit the area under these circumstances.
Dayton flew into Marshall and toured the Lake Shetek area prior to coming to Slayton.
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