Dayton readies federal disaster request for floods

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is preparing to send off a federal disaster request detailing more than $100 million in flood damage and says he expects to call state lawmakers into special session in July or August.

Dayton said the disaster request will be submitted by Monday and he hopes to hear back within two weeks. It aims to unlock federal money to help local governments fix roads, schools and other public assets after intense rains soaked northeastern Minnesota and communities south of the Twin Cities.

The governor says there is “no question” a special session would be needed to approve state matching money for a quarter of the cost of repairs. He says has been in talks with legislative leaders about a session to be held in about a month.