ALBERT LEA — President Barack Obama on Monday declared a major disaster in Minnesota in the wake of widespread flooding across the state in June.

The declaration paves the way for federal aid to communities affected by the severe storms.

Freeborn County was one of eight counties included in the declaration, and more are expected to be added as additional damage assessments are completed, according to a news release.

Other counties included Monday were Chippewa, Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Renville and Rock counties.

The most recent preliminary damage assessment totaled more than $37.1 million statewide, including $16.1 million in damages to roads and bridges.

Recent figure for damages in Freeborn County was just over $1 million when FEMA officials visited earlier this month.

Albert Lea received more than 7 inches of rain last month, leading to high water levels in both Fountain and Albert Lea lakes, closed streets, some homes with sewage backups and farmland that was under water.

The declaration makes two types of federal aid available. The first is public assistance aid, which offers help to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for emergency work and repair of damaged facilities.

The second is a hazard mitigation grant program, which offers assistance to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

FEMA will reimburse 75 percent of the approved costs and the state will pay the remainder.

Eligible work includes debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster and repair of damaged public facilities, roads, power poles, buildings, utilities and recreation areas.