ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Tim Walz may challenge the federal government’s denial of a grant for post-riot repair of infrastructure damage in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Spokesperson Teddy Tschann said the governor is “exploring all options.” There normally is a 30-day period to appeal a Federal Emergency Management Administration denial of a request. Walz had asked for $15 million for public facilities. Damage from the riots overall has been estimated at $500 million, mostly to private property. If Walz goes for the aid again, he may note the impact of the Covid pandemic on the state budget. A projected $1.5 billion budget surplus before the pandemic has turned into a projected $2.4 billion shortfall.
Earlier: Feds on Minnesota recovery funds: Nope