2024 FEMA Information
Between June 16 and July 4, 2024, Nobles County experienced significant flooding throughout the county and had a significant impact on our county drainage systems. It was a federally declared disaster on June 28, 2024, which allowed the county to apply for Public Assistance through FEMA to help with emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
On February 21, 2025, FEMA issued a determination memo denying Nobles County Drainage Authority public assistance claims. They based their determination on their interpretation of Minnesota Statute 103E. This means FEMA does not want to reimburse the drainage systems for any flood-related repairs.
13 other drainage authorities in southern Minnesota received a similar memo denying their public assistance claims as well. The Drainage Authority has until April 21, 2025 to submit an appeal. Flood-related repairs should be completed in 2025.