By Albert Lea Tribune and Associated Press

ST. PAUL  — Minnesota officials are seeking federal assistance to survey damage from flooding in hopes of getting federal aid.

The state requested a damage assessment Monday from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The request stems from heavy rain and storms in 36 Minnesota counties and Red Lake Nation throughout June that have caused flooding and damages. The counties listed included Freeborn, Mower and Fillmore.

Gov. Mark Dayton declared a state of emergency in response to the storms last week. His order directed the state agency to seek a federal damage assessment.

Freeborn County Emergency Management Director Rich Hall said though the county did have some flooding from recent storms, it did not do enough damage to reach the threshold needed to be able to qualify for aid.

Minnesota could qualify for federal aid if the federal government finds more than $7.7 million in damages statewide. Dayton and other officials visited storm-affected areas of the state on Friday.