State Representative Terry Morrow Representative is calling for creation of a Minnesota local natural disaster assistance program before major flooding occurs in the Red River and Minnesota River valleys this spring.  Morrow’s proposal, House File 1378, would help local governments recover from disasters that do not qualify for a presidential disaster declaration.  His plan would also enable state emergency management officials to provide the state match portion for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance payments.

Now is the time to act.  We know that the conditions are set for serious floods in Minnesota.  It’s better to prepare now than to scramble in the aftermath.  The National Weather Service has predicted major flooding in Minnesota.  Since not all costs are covered under FEMA programs, Minnesota should proactively prepare a fund rather than continuing its wait-and-see approach to helping communities recover financially.

Representative Morrow initially introduced his bill after learning that local communities often had to wait months and months to receive state aid for disaster clean-up and other costs.  Funds under Morrow’s plan would cover emergency response, clean up, repair or replacement of public infrastructure, public health costs, and other related items.

“If the legislature is not in session when disaster strikes—or if the costs are not yet known—then local communities must either wait until the next year or hope that a special session is called to address their needs,” said Morrow.  “Recent state cuts in funds for local essential services have hit city and county budgets. It’s doubly difficult for our communities to bear the financial brunt of disaster relief until state aid comes, often a year later. Special sessions can be expensive and still involve delays.  I am confident that Minnesota’s emergency management officials can make quick and well-informed decisions, with legislative oversight of spending.”

Representative Morrow is also investigating an alternative emergency management tool known as open appropriations.  In an open appropriation approach, the Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) would declare that an emergency exists.  If the disaster does not qualify for a presidential disaster declaration, HSEM would authorize expenditures for an emergency response.  The Commissioner of Public Safety would report to a legislative committee.  Currently, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has open appropriation authority to pay for some forest fire, flood and search-and-rescue operations.

“We know that natural disasters happen in Minnesota.  We know that the state will provide emergency assistance.  We know that rapid action is essential for an efficient, effective response.  We know that the state will provide financial aid,” Morrow said. “I have seen state and local emergency management experts and officials respond professionally and capably in the wake of natural disasters.  It’s time to create a less cumbersome, lengthy process to help communities throughout Minnesota.”