20 additional counties currently under review
 On Saturday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced that 22 counties have been approved for a federal disaster declaration by FEMA for severe flooding over the last two weeks – with 20 additional counties under review. The declaration will provide resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure.
"I’ve seen the damage across our state firsthand – it’s going to take a united effort at every level of government to quickly rebuild and recover. This assistance is going to make all the difference in that recovery," said Governor Walz. "I’m grateful to our partners in the federal government for doing their part, just as Minnesotans have done theirs, filling tens of thousands of sandbags, checking in on their neighbors, and volunteering their time."
"Our state has seen severe flooding over the last two weeks and Minnesotans have been hard at work to help their neighbors recover," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Luckily, more help is on the way thanks to President Biden approving our request for a federal disaster declaration."
On Tuesday, Governor Walz traveled to Mankato to visit the Rapidan Dam and provide updates on flood conditions and recovery efforts. The Governor was joined by emergency management staff.
 On Monday, Governor Walz officially dedicated the new Bemidji Veterans Home. In addition to Bemidji, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs opened two other veterans homes in Montevideo and Preston earlier this year. The three new homes will allow Minnesota to serve almost 200 more veterans needing skilled nursing care.
“We have an obligation to meet the needs of our veterans and the opening of the Bemidji Veterans Home is a reflection of our commitment to fulfill that obligation,” said Governor Walz. “Together with MDVA, we are providing necessary support and resources to ensure the wellbeing of veterans across Minnesota. I extend my gratitude to everyone who has worked around the clock to make Minnesota the first state in the nation to build and open three veterans homes simultaneously.”
 On Monday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan also visited Red Lake Nation.
"Thank you to Red Lake Nation for welcoming me today," said Governor Walz. "We want Minnesota to be known as the place that gets Tribal-state relations right – a goal we can only accomplish by working government to government with the 11 sovereign Tribal Nations in Minnesota."
"Since day one, we’ve taken steps to ensure our administration considers Tribal impacts when we create policy – which is why we were at Red Lake Nation again today," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "We're working government-to-government to make Minnesota a place where Tribal Nations can thrive."
 Governor Walz celebrated $24 million in funding for job training and economic development programs. The funding, which took effect July 1, will support entrepreneurs and start-up businesses with operating needs, fund training programs, and support community events that provide an economic boost, including the Special Olympics, Taste of Minnesota, and other festivals.
"Investments in job training and economic development strengthen our workforce and boost our economy," said Governor Walz. "This funding will enhance Minnesota’s culture of innovation, global talent market, and high quality of life, allowing us to continue to build the best state to live, work, and raise a family."
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