ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Legislature convenes a special session today to pass a flood relief package for southern Minnesota.

Votes are expected on an $80 million bill that would help local governments rebuild roads, provide loans to individuals and offer grants to small businesses hurt by the flooding.

The package also contains money to help Wadena replace a community center destroyed by a June tornado.

The special session follows a federal disaster declaration for 21 southern counties struck by severe storms and flooding last month. The federal government pays three-quarters of public recovery costs, leaving the rest for the state to pick up.

Both chambers are due to convene in the early afternoon.