Gov. Tim Walz was denied federal aid money for riot damages caused by George Floyd's death. | Facebook
Gov. Tim Walz was denied federal aid money for riot damages caused by George Floyd's death. | Facebook
The federal government has rejected a request from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz asking for federal aid money to repair damage from rioting sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.
Walz submitted the request earlier this month hoping for funding to repair an estimated $15.6 million in damage to infrastructure and public buildings. In addition, 1,500 local businesses reportedly suffered at least $500 million from fires and looting that resulted from the unrest.
A spokesman for Walz was quoted by station FOX 9 saying the governor was disappointed by the rebuff.
"The Governor is disappointed that the federal government declined his request for financial support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help Minnesota rebuild after civil unrest damaged public infrastructure and caused extensive fire damage in the wake of George Floyd’s death,” the official said. “As we navigate one of the most difficult periods in our state’s history, we look for support from our federal government to help us through.”
Officials at FEMA told FOX 9 the damage to public infrastructure is within the ability of local and state government to deal with.
Walz reportedly has 30 days to consider appealing the decision. State officials indicated they would consider options.
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