The recent floods that swept through the Twin Ports area resulted in widespread damage, and Sen. Franken's thoughts and prayers are still with those recovering from the damage. On Monday, July 2nd, Sen. Franken urged President Obama to approve a federal disaster declaration for the region as quickly as possible and was pleased to announce that the administration approved federal assistance to repair public infrastructure in just one week. Sen. Franken and his colleagues from the congressional delegation have also reached out in support of Governor Dayton's recent appeal for FEMA Individual Assistance. Sen. Franken has visited the affected area twice and met with leaders in the region to learn about the situation on the ground. Sen. Franken has asked his staff to make sure his office is fully available to help in whatever way it can.

Sen. Franken and his staff are working with state, county, and local officials to help evaluate the extent of the damage to area homes, businesses, roads, and other infrastructure, and they will continue to monitor the situation in the coming weeks as damage assessments are made and the clean-up and recovery process moves forward.

Senator Franken is urging administrators for local counties, cities and townships to complete the application for public assistance before the August 15th deadline. For information on how to complete the application click here.

For the latest information from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, visit MinnesotaRecovers.org

For the latest information from the City of Duluth, visit http://www.duluthmn.gov/declaration_of_emergency/

Please check 511mn.org for updated travel advisories. The public should respect advisories from local authorities regarding areas that are unsafe for travel.

Anyone interested in offering assistance as volunteers can call 211 (in Duluth), 800-543-7709, or visit mnresponds.org to register.

Reports:

• Reports of damage to public property or public infrastructure can be directed to (218) 730-HELP (4357).
• Reports of damage to private property can be directed to 211 who will coordinate volunteer assistance.