Tina Liebling Legislaive Update
08/22/2007
August 22, 2007
Dear Friends,
August of 2007 will be remembered as time of extraordinary challenges for Minnesotans. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of flood victims throughout the region and to those who have been displaced or suffered damage.
As with the bridge collapse in Minneapolis 3 weeks ago, we have witnessed an heroic response from the men and women who serve our state in law enforcement and public safety, including the National Guard, sheriff's deputies, police officers, fire fighters, and many volunteers.
These events again remind us that we're in this together - not urban or rural or suburban - but one Minnesota, working together to rebuild communities and lives. I hope you find the information in this update useful. As always, please continue to contact me with thoughts, concerns and suggestions. You can email me directly at or call me in Rochester at (507) 289-4664 or in St. Paul at (800) 339-9038.
Warm regards,
Tina
To volunteer to help
About 4,560 homes in the six-county area were damaged by this week's disastrous flooding. That includes 243 homes destroyed and 350 with damage already assessed, according to preliminary estimates by the Southeast Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross.
To offer assistance with flood relief, contact the following agencies:
· American Red Cross, 287-2200 or (507) 452-4258
· Salvation Army, 288-3663
· Winona County Volunteer Hotline (507)-457-8882
· For information about road closures, log onto http://www.511mn.org
FEMA is assessing damage, special session is being considered
Federal emergency officials are in Minnesota today to assess the damage from recent flooding. This is the first step in seeking a federal disaster declaration. The threshold for qualifying for disaster assistance is $6 million in damage from a single event, and it appears likely that number will be markedly higher. If a disaster is declared, residents could be eligible for financial assistance for temporary housing, clean up and rebuilding costs. It could also mean public assistance for roads, government properties and overtime pay for emergency workers.
In addition, legislative leaders are meeting today with Governor Pawlenty to discuss the agenda for a possible special session that would provide aid to communities affected by flooding.
Protect your drinking water
The recent heavy rainfall is causing area basements to flood and sanitary sewers to back up. Flooding, surface water runoff and fluctuating groundwater levels may also cause contamination of private drinking water wells. Flood or surface water runoff that enters a well often contains harmful bacteria, viruses or chemicals. Rainfall is expected to continue over the next few days. For additional information about how to ensure your drinking water is safe, log on to http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/emergency/natural/floods/index.html
Debris Management Information from Rochester Public Works
Water damaged articles such as furniture, sheetrock, carpet, insulation, and other items are not being collected by the city. Homeowners must contact their regular trash collector or a private hauler or haul the debris themselves. Debris can be taken to the recycling center at 305 Silver Creek Road NE, Monday thru Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. The associated cost is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Sewer backup in the city should be reported to Public Works at 328-2400 so they can investigate. Rochester residents may be eligible for up to $10,000 to help with clean-up costs and building damages caused by a city sanitary sewer backup. For information, call Public Works at 328-2400.
Tina Liebling
State Representative
House District 30A (Rochester)
393 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155-1298
507-289-4664
800-339-9038