Governor Tim Pawlenty today issued an executive order providing state assistance to communities impacted by last week's severe storms.  The order authorizes the Minnesota Department of Transportation to provide equipment and personnel to assist local units of government in gathering and disposing downed trees and other debris and the Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, to continue to provide emergency support and assistance to the affected areas pursuant to the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan.

"Last week's strong winds knocked over trees and damaged homes, but it brought out the best in Minnesotans," Governor Pawlenty said.  "Neighbors came together to help each other and local and state officials did an excellent job responding to needs.  This order allows the state to pitch in further."

The following is the text of the executive order:

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 05-13 PROVIDING EMERGENCY STORM AND TORNADO RELIEF

            I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, applicable statutes including Minnesota Statutes Chapter 12 and Executive Order 04-04 do hereby issue this executive order:

            WHEREAS, on September 21, 2005 unusually strong storms and a tornado resulted in significant damage to homes, businesses, schools, public buildings and other property in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul; and

            WHEREAS, as a result, the accumulation of debris in the affected communities has created a threat to public safety in the cites of Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Maple Grove, Ramsey, Roseville, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park and other affected local communities; and

            WHEREAS, the affected local and county governments do not have the equipment and resources necessary to respond to the emergency in a timely fashion and the local governments have requested relief from the state; and  

            WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has equipment, including specialized equipment, which can be of assistance in removing accumulated debris from the affected communities.

            NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that, consistent with the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan and Minnesota laws governing emergency relief:

The Department of Transportation will provide equipment and personnel to assist local units of government in gathering and disposing of debris and maintain records of expenses incurred. 

The Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, to continue to provide emergency support and assistance to the affected areas pursuant to the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan including but not limited to the coordination of damage assessment and the coordination of state assistance with local and county officials.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2004, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded by proper authority or it expires in accordance with Minnesota law.