WINONA, Minn. — Flooding has caused nearly $5.8 million in damages in Houston County.
Houston and Fillmore counties have declared a state of emergency after heavy rain during the weekend, with water levels in areas rising by more than 8 feet.
Fillmore County Emergency Management Director Kevin Beck says damage estimates for that county haven't been finalized yet, but they've reached at least $200,000.
Officials say they hope damage totals of Fillmore, Winona, and Houston counties will together meet the state's $7 million threshold to qualify for assistance.
The Winona Daily News reports (http://bit.ly/17iEglS ) county officials are also considering combining damages from northern Iowa and western Wisconsin to see if they qualify for federal help. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency in seven southwest Wisconsin counties Wednesday.
