Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan highlights flooding resources in southern Minnesota
MANKATO, Minn. — Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan traveled to southern Minnesota Wednesday to highlight local and state resources for those impacted by the recent historic floods.
Flanagan, along with officials from the Mankato area, stood in front of a debris collection site where homeowners had dumped items that had been ruined by the Blue Earth River following the partial failure of an abutment at the Rapidan Dam on Monday.
She said that officials are constantly communicating and assessing the damage that the area has experienced.
"I think water is a powerful force. I think that's my initial reflection. I think climate change is real and we are experiencing the impacts of it here in Minnesota all across the state," Flanagan said. "Just as a Minnesotan and, you know, just even as a mom, looking at some of the items that are over there, for families, this is awful and they've been hit hard."
The dollar amount of the damage is unknown at this time, and Flanagan urged residents to save their receipts to apply for reimbursements from the state. The city manager says they'll stay open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday this week.
The river reached its peak of 29.7 feet midday Tuesday, according to Mankato City Manager Susan Arntz. Officials expect it to recede 3 to 5 feet over the next few days, reaching 25.5 feet on Friday.
Blue Earth County officials say there is currently little to no flow through the dam's gates, as the majority of the flow is going around the dam's west side. They are shifting focus now from the dam to the bridge given the recent erosion.
Rapidan Dam experiences partial failure
The overflowing Blue Earth River caused a portion of the 114-year-old Rapidan Dam to fail, and swallowed most of an iconic home that sits on a nearby embankment on Tuesday evening. Officials say the dam is in "imminent failure condition," as water continues to flow around the structure, eroding the slope.
Walz may call special session
Gov. Tim Walz said he would consider calling a special session if the damage costs of the flooding end up higher than the currently-available relief funds.
He took an aerial tour on Tuesday with Sen. Amy Klobuchar to assess the damage in southern Minnesota, and discussed working with local and federal partners to help with rebuilding efforts.
Federal aid kicks in at $10.5 million for public infrastructure, which is paid on a county-by-county basis once a disaster declaration is made.
Mississippi River in St. Paul
The Mississippi River in St. Paul reached major flood stage on Wednesday morning, though officials say that the worst is yet to come.
The river reaches major flood stage at 17 feet; by 7 a.m. on Wednesday, it had reached 17.7 feet. Parts of Harriet Island are already underwater, forcing a number of waterfront businesses to close.
The river is expected to rise another 4 feet and will likely crest this weekend.
The rain in June ended the drought that Minnesota has experienced since 2022. The majority of the state received at least 1.5 times the average amount of rain that the state would typically see in June, and southwestern Minnesota saw more than three times the average.
Though Minnesota has seen a break from the rain since the weekend, more showers are expected to return Thursday into Friday morning.
Scott County road closures
The Scott County Highway 69 between Third Avenue West and Apgar Street South will be closed on Wednesday evening.
Valleyfair ride closures
Valleyfair temporarily closed three of the park's rides on Tuesday evening as flood waters rise from the nearby Minnesota River.
There are many ways to help communities impacted by flooding. For a list of resources, click here.
