Gov. Walz announces additional hurricane recovery support

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday, October 15, that Minnesota will be sending more personnel and supplies to South Carolina to assist in recovery efforts following damages caused by Hurricane Helene.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will be deploying 10 additional staff members to operate heavy equipment and provide transportation support.  Trucks, trailers, nurse tanks, chainsaws, protective equipment, and communications equipment will also be provided.

“In the wake of this devastating hurricane season, Minnesota will continue to provide every possible resource to support communities across the south,” said Governor Walz. “I am proud of our dedicated emergency responders and public servants. They are making a critical difference.”

Gov. Walz had previously signed Emergency Executive Orders that authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance in Florida and North Carolina. That included members of the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, and Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing.

“The St. Louis County Mobile Command Post and the Minnesota All Hazard Incident Management Team were also deployed to North Carolina and South Carolina,” explained Ellie Anderson with the Governor’s office. “Following an additional EMAC request, ten MnDOT team members from northern Minnesota have been deployed to assist with recovery efforts in South Carolina. Their deployment includes the provision of supplies to assist with debris removal. They will continue recovery efforts in South Carolina through the end of October.”