Governor Tim Pawlenty today declared a State of Emergency related to flooding in the Red River Valley.

A five member National Guard planning team is being pre-positioned in the area to implement contingency plans in the event further National Guard members will be needed.

"State and local agencies at all levels are working together to be as well prepared as possible," said Governor Pawlenty. "I'm pleased with the coordination and advance steps that are taking place.  Minnesotans have a terrific tradition of rallying to help each other in a time of crisis and this will be no different."

The following is the text of Emergency Executive Order 06-04 signed by Governor Tim Pawlenty today:

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 06-04

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, a heavy snow pack, rapid melt, and rainfall have resulted in flooding in the southern reaches of the Red River of the North, which flooding has necessitated road closures and threatened both public and private property; and

            WHEREAS, additional significant rainfall in the affected area is expected in the next two weeks; and

            WHEREAS, near-record flooding has been forecast for multiple locations along the length of the Red River; and

            WHEREAS, it is anticipated that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Operations Assistance for multiple affected communities will be required; and

            WHEREAS, dangerous flooding conditions are likely to persist in the coming weeks and these conditions have created an imminent danger to persons and property along the Red River Valley including areas in Wilkin, Clay, Norman, Polk, Marshall and Kittson Counties; and

            WHEREAS, the Governor and other state officials have toured portions of the affected areas and discussed emergency preparation and coordination of relief efforts for the affected areas; and

            WHEREAS, the conditions present an immediate need to activate emergency resources to prepare for and combat the flood conditions and the resources of the affected local and county governments are inadequate to meet the demands generated by the flooding conditions; and

            WHEREAS, emergency assets and personnel from the Minnesota National Guard may be needed.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that:

            A peacetime emergency under Minnesota Statutes Section 12.21 exists and order that the following immediate actions occur:

1.      The Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are to continue the activation of the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan, the provision of on-site support and assistance to the affected local governments, and determine the need for supplementary disaster aid.

2.      All state agencies are directed to provide the assistance necessary to help local units of government respond to and recover from this emergency.

3.      The Adjutant General of Minnesota will order to state active duty on or about March 31, 2006, in the service of the State, such personnel and equipment of the military forces of the State as required to provide assistance in preparing for the emergency and in providing emergency relief services.

4.         The Adjutant General is authorized to purchase, lease or contract goods or services necessary to accomplish the mission.  The cost of subsistence, transportation, fuel, pay and allowances of said individuals shall by defrayed from the general fund of the State, as provided for in Minnesota Statutes 2002, Sections 192.49, 192.52 and 192.54.

            Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2005, 4.035, Subdivision 2, this emergency executive order shall be effective immediately and will remain in effect until the conclusion of the emergency.  The peacetime emergency can be extended by the Executive Council or the Legislature in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 12.31, Subdivision 2.  The portion of this order activating the National Guard is not subject to any time limitation contained in Minnesota Statutes 2005, Chapter 12.

            IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 31st day of March, 2006.