Photo courtesy Koochiching Economic Development Authority

U.S. Federal Emergency Measures Administration, or FEMA, will not provide any funding to help property owners in Koochiching County impacted by this year’s flooding.

It has determined there was not enough damage to individual structures to qualify for its Individual Assistance program.

FEMA officials were in the area last month to assess the damage caused by the high waters of Rainy Lake and Rainy River.

“We were told that the protective measures we put in place to safeguard the residences worked well and prevented substantial damage to homes,” said Sheriff Perryn Hedlund. “We know that many residents did indeed have significant property damage, and mitigating the flood and recovery has been highly stressful, but interior damage to the majority of homes did not qualify under FEMA standards as total devastation.”

Residents with damage can still seek assistance through the Small Business Administration.

It is offering low-interest, long-term loans

It has started taking applications, having set up a temporary office at Voyageurs National Park.

It will remain open until September 22.

Hours of operation will be: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Open: Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closed: Sundays