Gov. Tim Walz has authorized emergency assistance for southern Minnesota counties affected by heavy rains and flooding over the summer.

Walz authorized the assistance Monday, including $1.4 million to cover damages sustained from the summer storms. The money will cover around 75% of damages, while individual counties will be responsible for remaining costs.

Storms in late June and early July caused flooding, mudslides and significant infrastructure damage in Kittson, Le Sueur, Morrison, Renville and Washington counties. 

Among the damaged areas were the Mississippi River banks near the historic Charles Lindbergh House and museum and the Morrison County Historical Society, both in Little Falls. Little Falls received more than nine inches of rain over a short period of time. 

“When the unexpected happens, we come together as One Minnesota to support our neighbors,” Walz said in a statement. “We will work closely with these counties to ensure they have the resources and support they need to recover in the wake of these floods.”

Flooding and mudslides in southern Minnesota also caused multiple highway closures in late June, including in Sibley and Le Sueur counties.