Legislative leaders say they'll meet over the weekend in hopes of reaching an agreement on a flood relief package for northwestern Minnesota. House Republicans have come forward with their plans to help the region deal with flood problems that began with a period of heavy rain in June. Roseau was particularly hard hit. City leaders and residents there have been calling on Gov. Ventura and lawmakers to call a special session to help them deal with the damages.

	Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe said a large part of the Senate plan overlaps with the House Republican plan. He said he doesn't expect any major disagreements. (MPR Photo/Michael Khoo)

Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum says the flood-ravaged communities in northwestern Minnesota need help right away. Sviggum says the House's proposed $34 million flood relief package includes economic incentives for local businesses and improvements to infrastructure. It would also provide property tax relief and farm assistance for those who have been severely impacted by the floods.

Sviggum is urging Gov. Ventura to call a special session immediately so the state can provide instant relief to people who have seen damages to their homes, farms or business.

"They need a signal this fall before the ground freezes that we are going to help northwestern Minnesota through this damage of the terrible floods of June," Sviggum said.

Sviggum says the state would pay for the House package by using a portion of the state's reserves.

The flooding in northern Minnesota has caused significant damage. A large percentage of the region's crops have been destroyed. In Roseau alone, more than 80 percent of all housing was flooded and 1,800 families were affected.

Sviggum says he'll meet with DFL Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe this weekend in hopes of reaching an agreement on a flood relief package. Moe, who's running for governor, said the two proposals may have forced Ventura to reconsider his calling a special session.

"I think basically our action has probably prodded him into action which is good," said Moe. "Bottom line is there are some provisions in here that need statutory change, some legislative action and the speaker and I are committed to trying to find the common ground to get this done."

Moe says the Senate plan would allow governments in affected areas to raise extra money through property taxes than the state normally allows. It would also accelerate state aid payments and pay any additional flood loss replacement aid to local governments that suffered a loss of tax base.

Moe said a large part of the Senate plan overlaps with the House Republican plan. He said he doesn't expect any major disagreements.

Gov. Ventura says he's open to calling a special session but only when the time is right. On his radio show, Ventura said state officials first need to figure out exactly how much damage has been done and how the state can minimize further flood problems when rebuilding begins. He says lawmakers, most notably Moe and Republican Tim Pawlenty, are politicizing the issue. Both candidates are seeking Ventura's job.

"They're trying to distort the process. They're trying to say that I somehow am not doing my job by not calling a special session when they yell for one. When both of them know darn well that you have to get certain ducks in a row. You have to get certain things accomplished before you ever call the special session. These two people know that but they're playing the political game out there," said Ventura.

Ventura announced a $500,000 grant to the city of Roseau to assist with flood recovery and protection activities.

Roseau County Commissioner Orris Rasmussen says the money and proposed flood relief packages are a start. However, he emphasizes that Ventura needs to call a special session quickly. Rasmussen says a large part of the region's businesses and families will be in financial ruin if action isn't taken soon.

Rasmussen says Polaris Industries, which employs about a third of Roseau's residents, will start to shift employees and investment out of state if it doesn't get assurances that the city will be able protect itself from another flood.

"I know that they've got a money shortage issue but we have another year coming. We're concerned about a money issue right now and as I said, if we lose all these industries all of a sudden $30, $40, $50 million won't do enough for us to exist up here. Whatever they can do for us is greatly appreciated," Rasmussen said.

Speaker Sviggum and Sen. Moe say they hope to present a flood relief package to Ventura next week. Moe says lawmakers would only need a few hours to pass the legislation in a special session.