 Governor Mark Dayton has authorized the use of funds from the state disaster assistance contingency account for emergency relief in Aiken County. Areas of Aiken County experienced significant damage to public properties caused by two severe thunderstorms with strong winds and hail knocking down trees and power lines and damaging several local businesses. The first severe storm occurred on August 31st with the second following on September 2nd. Aiken County will get a little more than $96,000 from the contingency account for public infrastructure repairs and cleanup costs. Under Minnesota state law, the state will reimburse 75% of eligible costs for public infrastructure repairs and cleanup with local governments responsible for covering the remaining 25%. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.