DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY

IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the applicable statutes, do hereby issue this Executive Order:

WHEREAS, the torrential rain that fell in southern Minnesota September 14-15, 2004 has resulted in flooding which is closing roads, overwhelming storm and sanitary sewer systems, destroying crops and inundating homes and businesses; and

WHEREAS, these events have inflicted widespread and extensive damage to homes, businesses, and the public infrastructure as well as croplands; and

WHEREAS, as a result, there is a threat to public safety in the counties of Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Mower, an Steele, and a potential threat in adjacent counties; and

WHEREAS, the resources of the affected local and county governments have been exhausted in responding to the flooding emergency;

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that:

A state of emergency exists in the State of Minnesota and do:

1. Direct the Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, to continue the activation of the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan, coordinate damage assessment, and determine the need for supplementary disaster aid;

2. Direct all state agencies to provide the necessary assistance to assist local units of government respond to and recover from this emergency.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2004, Section 4.035, Subdivision2, this Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded by proper authority or it expires in accordance with Minnesota law.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 20th day of September, 2004.

TIM PAWLENTY

Governor