In a letter to President Bush today, Governor Tim Pawlenty requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration and Federal assistance for areas of northwestern Minnesota affected by severe flooding that began on March 30.  Preliminary damage estimates are more than $8.5 million.

"The residents of the Red River valley responded to this spring's floods by pitching in and looking out for one another," Governor Pawlenty said.  "As the river crested, many breathed a sigh of relief that the flooding was largely contained.  But the water still caused some severe damage, particularly affecting public infrastructure including state, county and township roads.  Now, we are asking the Federal government to assist with the costs of recovery. The damage meets the threshold for Federal disaster relief. We'll be working with FEMA and the White House to get the relief northwestern Minnesota needs."

Included in the Presidential Disaster Declaration request are Becker, Clay, Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, and Wilkin counties.

Massive rainfall coupled with the frozen ground resulted in the third highest flood crest across the Red River Basin since 1990.  Storm surges followed the March 30 storm on April 2, 9, 13, 15, 8, 19 and 20, further complicating recovery efforts.

When granted, a Presidential Disaster Declaration makes the region eligible for a range of federal disaster programs, including disaster unemployment assistance, individual and household assistance, small business disaster loans, crisis counseling, and low-interest loans for affected farmers. 

On March 31, Governor Pawlenty declared a State of Emergency as a result of the northwestern Minnesota flooding.  The Governor's Executive Council, on April 5 extended the State of Emergency for thirty days.  Since the flooding occurred, state and local officials have been working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess damage and provide relief.