Heavy rains flooded several cities in Southern Minnesota last week, including the city of Pine Island, home of the Elk Run project.

Elk Run,a 2,325-acre commercial and residential real estate project to be developed by Tower Investments, was not affected by the flooding, said Abraham Algadi, Pine Island's city administrator. However, as of Saturday, 104 Pine Island homes received minor to severe damage from the flooding and about six businesses were innodated with water, he said.

Tower Investments donated $10,000 on Friday for the Pine Island Flood Relief Fund. Tower also allowed for the use of some of their equipment, facilities and other items to help with the city's efforts.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Pine Island," wrote John Pierce, senior vice president of Tower Investments in an e-mail sent on Friday to city officials. "We have personal experience with flooding and we know how devastating it can be."

Algadi said on Friday he was surprised by the donation.

"That's in line with the character, the demeanor and the trust that we have between us and the Marks family," Algadi said. "They have been very good to work with."

The criteria for how the Pine Island Relief Fund is spent will be set up by the city council, Algadi said.

Algadi said Tower will be interviewing potential contractors for the construction of Elk Run's first building next Tuesday.