The local governments in these counties need these emergency funds in order to rebuild their public facilities. I want to thank President Clinton and FEMA Director James Lee Witt for acting so quickly and responding to the urgent requests of the people of Minnesota. We must now see to it that the damaged communities receive these emergency funds in a timely manner .
Federal funding is also available on a cost share basis for hazard mitigation measures.
FEMA said that the damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and additional counties may be added after the assessments are completed. A copy of Wellstone's letter is attached. The severity and magnitude of this disaster is beyond Minnesota's capability to respond to this disaster situation and federal assistance is urgently needed.