Benton County officials hope for disaster assistance

FOLEY (AP) -- Benton County officials expect to learn this week whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency will declare the county eligible for disaster assistance.

Last weekend's wind and hail damage near Gilman added to the toll of this summer's severe weather. The county sustained about $32,000 in damage to roads and county buildings during flooding on and around July 10. The rain and high water also caused at least $2.4 million in crop damage.

A disaster declaration would allow the county to receive federal aid to pay for infrastructure repairs, said Ron Bomstad, emergency management director. The level of damage in Benton County was not severe enough to qualify for individual assistance grants for home repairs, he said.

Seventeen Minnesota counties have been named eligible for both individual and public assistance. Goodhue and Hubbard counties are eligible for public assistance only.