BRAINERD, Minn. (AP) - After meeting with resort owners who were hit by recent severe thunderstorms, Gov. Mark Dayton declared the Brainerd lakes area "open for business."

Dayton visited the Brainerd area Friday. Reports say he took a helicopter survey of the damage and heard the concerns of resort owners. Sunday's storms and 70 mph winds forced at least two resorts to shut down, displacing vacationers.

The resorts will need a few more days to be completely up and running, but owners say they're ready for visitors. The resorts that aren't at full capacity are referring guests to other places with room.

U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan and several state lawmakers also joined Friday's tour.

Nolan praised cleanup efforts and said the area is ready for tourists, "so keep 'em coming."

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