Relief fund to fill gaps in flood aid

The United Way announced a new relief fund today for the region surrounding Duluth devastated by recent floods.

The goal is to raise $1 million this month. Duluth Mayor Don Ness said that money is critical to make up what is not covered by the federal and state governments.

"Between insurance companies and that folks around here don't have flood insurance, and the limited support we might be able to expect from FEMA, there is going to be a gap in need, and that's the importance of this fundraising campaign to raise that million dollars while this tragedy is still fresh in people's minds."

The loss of private property value in Carlton County alone is already estimated at $14 million. Home assessments are still being completed in Duluth and the surrounding region.

Mayor of Proctor, Minn. David Brenna said, "Thompson's gone, Moose Lake's gone, Barnum's gone, for all practical purposes they might cease to exist being cities. And that's just not right and the people are just frustrated."

Brenna asks everyone across the state to pitch in, to help rebuild homes and boost communities' morale.

The relief fund's website is 2012floodrelief.org.