WATERVILLE, Minn. — With 1,000 volunteers and 60,000 sandbags filled and divided, city and county officials said they don’t know when this flood battle will end.
“We just have too much water,” said Le Sueur County Commissioner David Preisler.
Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith and Representative Angie Craig arrived in Waterville on Sunday afternoon to take a look at the flooding.
So far, only voluntary evacuations have taken place, while water, electricity and sewage works are still functioning.
Officials said they still don’t know if they will get it national guard assistance.
“We continue to work with the Department of Homeland Security and at this time we do not actually have any additional information to share,” said Waterville Police Chief and Emergency Manager John Manning.
As for federal assistance, Klobuchar and Smith said flood damage must exceed about $132,000 locally in the county, or $10.5 million in damage statewide, before FEMA can intervene.
“Amy and I want you to know that we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that the federal government is a good partner for the state to help you recover from this,” Smith said.
Local officials said they were grateful for the support of volunteers.
“It’s very moving, it’s very moving,” Manning said. “People are coming together, they will stay strong and we will continue to fight the good fight.”
