Minnesota Counties Hit by June Storms Get Federal Help

President Obama has signed a federal disaster declaration for 18 Minnesota counties hit hard by severe storms, high winds and flooding in late June.

The declaration issued Thursday makes federal disaster aid available to state and eligible local governments, and to certain private non-profit organizations, for recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The counties covered by the declaration are Benton, Big Stone, Douglas, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Grant, Hennepin, Houston, McLeod, Morrison, Pope, Sibley, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Traverse and Wilkin. The storms occurred between June 20 and 26.