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Council declares state of emergency

Photo by Daniel Olson These large trees came from the Cottonwood River during its peak flooding. The costs that went into removing them and keeping this area safe will be eligible for reimbursement after City Council approved a state of emergency declaration Tuesday.

NEW ULM – City Council approved a state of emergency declaration after the Cottonwood River flooded and crews worked to keep it clear of debris.

Police Chief and Emergency Management Director David Borchert said currently the river is still at flood stage, but not at the same substantial levels as late June.

“At this time, the levels are very manageable,” he said. “Some flood mitigation took place for public safety purposes primarily some debris in the Cottonwood River. Everything went very well. Brown County declared a state of emergency on June 25.”

Debris from fallen trees had piled into and underneath the Cottonwood Bridge, creating plugs the city had to remove frequently. Borchert said he does have concerns with continued runoff and flooding due to ground saturation and rain forecasted for Thursday and Friday.

“It could potentially cause minor problems for us,” he said. “This action is an advantage as far as future FEMA claims for eligibility and potential reimbursements and also for procurement of services outside competitors to give the city manager the ability to assist with procurement outside of bidding requirements.”

During the flooding’s peak, Cottonwood Street was plunged underwater. With the new emergency declaration, clean-up and labor costs associated with the disaster can be reimbursed.

Councilor Les Schultz asked what costs could be reimbursed under this declaration. Borchert said everything they’ve done thus far would qualify.

“Any type of pumping the Minnesota River,” he said. “The debris clearing we have on Cottonwood, that would be preventive measures. Staffing costs, overtime, and street time. We’ve been recording that. All the department heads are familiar with the process of tracking time and with time that’s gotten much easier.”

Councilman Eric Warmka said he’s been thinking about how lucky Brown County has been in relation to other places like Blue Earth County with major flood damage. He made the motion to declare a state of emergency and authorize the city manager flood relief procurement authorization. Councilor Andrea Boettger seconded the motion.

The labor costs put in to clear this debris from the Cottonwood River can now be reimbursed, after City Council approved a state of emergency declaration Tuesday.

Starting at $4.38/week.

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