Dear Northlanders,
I attended a meeting with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), along with state agencies, and elected representatives on August 9, 2024 to review funding opportunities for individuals and businesses affected by the recent flood.
The devastation affected 61 counties out of 87 counties in our state. There are four ways to connect with FEMA:
- Online at www.disasterassistance.gov
- Through the FEMA app, residents must download the FEMA APP
- By calling 800- 621-3362
- In person at a disaster recovery center. Currently the sites will be in Virginia, Waterville, and Mankato and mobile sites will be set up too.
Lake County was declared one of the counties in the disaster, and business and individual assistance is available. In addition, Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering loans with no interest in first year and interest rates are 2.688% for homeowners and renters, 3.25% for non-profits, and 4% for small businesses.
What type of loans are available? Physical Disaster Loans to repair or replace disaster damaged property to include real estate for homes and businesses, personal property, vehicles, land improvements, business contents and leasehold improvements.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are working capitol loans to help small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with operating expenses such as fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills.
Public assistance addresses repairs to community and state infrastructure or Tribal government infrastructure and Individual assistance provides help to individual, and households affected by a major disaster. Lake County residents and businesses affected are eligible for both.
There will be Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams out and about in Lake County to help impacted residents register for assistance as well. There are flooding resources available at:
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/flood-resources
The losses for many were devastating, and hopefully this will help many in our area and the state. A special thank you to all who volunteered to help neighbors during the flooding of Sullivan Lake and other areas. When devastation occurs, the love of community shows up with a wonderful downpouring of love.
In Service,
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, State Representative for 3B
