6-29-12 (St.Paul, MN)  --  Governor Dayton sent a letter to President Obama today (Fri) requesting a major federal disaster declaration for 13 counties and three tribal nations affected by storms and flooding.  The request was made after the preliminary damage assessments revealed more than 108-million dollars in costs and damages.  It includes Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Crow Wing, Dakota, Goodhue, Kandiyohi, Lake, Meeker, Pine, Rice, Sibley and St.Louis Counties.  The governor requested public assistance and hazard mitigation grants.  If approved, FEMA will fund 75 percent of the costs.