Walz to Host Mobile Office Hours in Winona

08/21/2007

(Mankato, MN) - Today, Congressman Tim Walz announced that he will hold office hours at the Blue Heron Coffee Shop in Winona on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 1 pm. Walz and members of his staff will meet with constituents in need of assistance and will gather information about the flood response.

Federal agencies like FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Agriculture cannot process applications for disaster relief until the Governor formally requests federal assistance and the President declares a federal disaster. State and local officials are currently working with FEMA teams to assess the damage, which will help the Governor determine whether to request federal assistance.

On Wednesday, Rep. Walz and staff will be collecting contact information for constituents who hope to apply for federal aid. If and when the federal assistance becomes available, Congressman Walz and his staff will use the information to quickly connect applicants with personnel and resources in the relevant agencies.

Walz has been traveling throughout southeastern Minnesota for the last three days and has spoken with hundreds of citizens about the damage the area sustained. "My office exists to assist the people of our district during this difficult time. After traveling around the area for the past three days, I know that people need help and they are hungry for answers. While we cannot yet officially begin the process of applying for federal aid, I encourage affected people to get in touch with me and my office."

Constituents and members of the media are welcome to stop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday. No appointment is necessary.

Constituents can also contact Congressman Walz through his website at http://www.house.goz/walz or by calling his Mankato office at 507-388-2149 or Rochester office at 507-206-0643.