Cass, Itasca counties added to disaster list

ST. PAUL - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has added Itasca and Cass counties to the major disaster declaration for last month's Northeast Minnesota flood and storms, according to a statement issued by Rep. John Persell, DFL-Bemidji.

"It is great news that Cass and Itasca Counties were added to the FEMA disaster declaration for public assistance," Persell said in the statement.

"Emergency management personnel have done an excellent job conveying damage information and pushing for Cass and Itasca Counties to be included for federal aid to public infrastructure."

In addition, Persell said he supports Gov. Mark Dayton's appeal of FEMA's denial of individual assistance for homeowners and businesses who sustained property damage.

Individual assistance provides individuals and private businesses with federal assistance not covered by insurance.

The Legislature could be called into special session by Dayton to address disaster and recover aid for Minnesota counties hit by severe weather this summer.