ST PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar, along with the heads of several state agencies, got an aerial view of flooding damage in south central Minnesota Tuesday.
"At this time, pretty extensive damage, pretty widespread," Walz said, speaking after returning from the helicopter flight.
Much of that damage is in towns like Waterville, and at sites like the Rapidan Dam.
"Looking at that dam and seeing the severe damage there, as well as washed-out roads in Minnesota, I believe we could well be into our 10.5 million," Klobuchar said. "That is the level at which federal aid would take in for public infrastructure."
While there has been no federal disaster declaration as of yet, there is confidence that will happen, according to Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of Public Safety for Minnesota.
"As the Governor has mentioned, and Senator Klobuchar, I really think that this is going to meet the needs for federal declaration," Jacobson said.
"We're also starting to do initial damage assessments in northern Minnesota, today it was a focus in southern Minnesota," Jacobson continued. "We have not forgotten about those who are in northern Minnesota suffering right now."
For those who are displaced, there is a shelter opening in Faribault, in partnership with the National Guard and Red Cross.
"We would partner with other agencies to try to get those people moved into other, more permanent shelters, as soon as feasible," Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke said.
There's also the possibility of a special session to address damage and recovery.
"That is the absolute definition of what a special session should be used for, an emergency situation," Walz said. "So I certainly leave it open to that, that if we need to do it, we'll do it."
As for the many damaged roads and bridges, those will need to be inspected before they can be reopened, something that will happen once the water recedes.