Press Releases
NEW ULM, MN – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) visited areas across the First District, including Madelia, rural Watonwan County, Jackson, Waseca, and Mankato to assess the damage caused by the historic, catastrophic flooding that has occurred as a result of recent record rainfall across southern Minnesota.
Rep. Finstad received updates from city and county officials, as well as first responders about the severity of the flooding, and what city workers have been doing to ensure the safety of the community. Rep. Finstad also met with local business leaders to discuss the effects that the flooding has had on businesses in the area.
Rep. Finstad attends an emergency city council meeting in Madelia to receive updates on the recent flooding that has overloaded the city’s water treatment system.
Rep. Finstad meets with Watonwan County Commissioner, Dillon Muheim, to evaluate the deterioration of county and township road conditions in St. James, LaSalle, and Butterfield.
Rep. Finstad talks with Jackson mayor, Marcus Polz, and City Councilman Nathan Peterson about the impact of the recent flooding on the city’s infrastructure. The Des Moines River is expected to remain in major flood stage for the next several days.
Rep. Finstad meets with city and county officials and local state legislators in Waseca for an overview of emergency management plans for the area amidst widespread flooding in the area.
Monday, Representative Finstad joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and City of Mankato officials to view rising water levels on the Blue Earth River. The Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County (approximately ten miles southwest of Mankato) was declared to be in imminent failure condition after a partial breach of the dam occurred Monday as a result of high water levels.
“Throughout the district, I have met with community leaders and seen firsthand the effects of the severe flooding that has impacted infrastructure and local businesses, as well as displaced families,” said Rep. Finstad. “Unprecedented rainfall and record high water levels have devastated our communities but have also shown the strength and volunteer spirit that we have here in southern Minnesota.”
Finstad continued, “I’ve been in contact with numerous local officials across the twenty-one counties in the First District to hear about their needs and talk about ways we can work together to help our neighbors. I will continue these conversations as the situation develops, and I thank everyone who has been working around the clock to assist our southern Minnesota community members during this time.”
If you have been impacted by the flooding, contact Congressman Finstad’s office for assistance by visiting Finstad.house.gov or by calling (507) 577-6140.
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