 Minnesota officials are seeking federal assistance to survey damage from flooding in hopes of getting federal aid. The state requested a damage assessment Monday from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The request stems from heavy rain and storms in 36 Minnesota counties and the Red Lake Nation through June that have caused flooding and damages. Governor Mark Dayton declared a state of emergency in response to the storms last week. His order directed the state agency to seek a federal damage assessment. Minnesota could qualify for federal aid if the federal government finds more than $7.7 million in damages statewide. Dayton and other officials visited storm-affected areas of the state on Friday.