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Nobles County says FEMA denied drainage claims; county contests interpretation of Minnesota drainage law
Summary
County staff and legal counsel reported that FEMA denied Nobles County's drainage damage claims, citing cost eligibility and apparent concerns about duplication of benefits; county staff say FEMA misinterpreted Minnesota drainage laws and have documented their response timeline.
County drainage staff and legal counsel briefed the Nobles County Board on FEMA's handling of the county's drainage damage claims during the March 4 meeting.
Staff said FEMA issued a Request for Information on Dec. 16, 2024, citing concerns about a "Duplication of benefits." County staff and legal counsel responded to that RFI on Jan. 9, 2025. On Feb. 21, 2025, FEMA issued final determination memoranda denying the county's drainage claims based on cost-eligibility issues. According to the county presentation, the denials stem from FEMA's misinterpretation of Minnesota drainage laws.
The board received the update but did not take separate action on the FEMA determinations during the meeting. County staff indicated they had worked with legal counsel during late 2024 and into January 2025 to prepare responses to FEMA's information requests.
