U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN), ranking member and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced that an expected $2 billion in agriculture disaster relief and farmer aid will soon be made available for Minnesota producers, small businesses, and families impacted by extreme storms and flooding last year. After record water levels across the state wreaked havoc on producers, small businesses and homeowners, both Senators worked to make sure the needs of Minnesota were addressed in the Congress’s comprehensive disaster aid package, the American Relief Act, 2025,which was passed and signed into law at the end of last month. The legislation authorizes additional support through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for farmers who experienced torrential flooding and need financial assistance to recoup from losses. It also replenished FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund for individual and public assistance towards recovery and support for businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration to help those recovering from extreme weather disasters, as well as an estimated $28 million for repairs to damaged highways in Minnesota.
“Last spring, farmers, producers, small business owners, and families across Minnesota were impacted by devastating flooding,” said Klobuchar. “We have worked to ensure these Minnesotans have the support they need to rebuild. Now, our state will receive additional assistance as we continue these efforts.”
“Natural disasters like the flooding we experienced this summer can turn families’ worlds upside down, especially for the farmers and ranchers who were hit hard this year,” said Senator Smith. “I made it a priority to get funding for our ag communities, our small businesses, and damaged infrastructure included this disaster relief package. These resources will make a big difference for folks in our state.”
In June, parts of Minnesota were impacted by heavy rains and flooding, causing greater need for federal assistance to help Minnesotans whose homes, farms, and livelihoods suffered significant damage. Shortly after the heavy rain and flooding, Senators Klobuchar and Smith visited impacted communities in Southern Minnesota, including Northfield, Waterville, and Carver. Senator Klobuchar also joined Governor Walz for an aerial survey of the flooding and visited communities across Minnesota, from Mankato to St. Louis County. Senator Smith visited with farmers in Northern Minnesota. After both Senators pushed the federal government to provide more support, USDA announced technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. Senators Klobuchar and Smith led the entire Minnesota delegation in urging President Biden to make a Major Disaster Declaration for areas impacted by the severe weather, which was approved the very next day.
Source : senate.gov