Local governments and certain non-profit agencies that sustained damage during the flooding in September may be eligible for federal disaster assistance and have only a few more days to apply before the Dec. 2 deadline, according to a press release.

The FEMA public assistance program is available to help communities recover from damages incurred by severe storms and flooding that occurred from Sept. 21 to Sept. 24. Federal funding is available in Blue Earth, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Rice, Steele and Waseca counties as part of a presidential disaster declaration.

These funds are for expenses or damages incurred during the disaster and cover items such as repair or replacement of roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, equipment, schools, recreation areas and other publicly owned facilities, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities.

Federal funds are available by FEMA on a cost sharing basis with FEMA picking up 75 percent of the eligible costs. The state of Minnesota pays the remaining 25 percent.

To apply, eligible agencies and organizations must first submit a one-page request for public assistance form to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division by Dec. 2nd.

The form can be found online at dps.mn.gov and faxed to DPS-HSEM at 651-296-0459, or e-mailed to Bill.Hirte@state.mn.us.