Governor Tim Pawlenty has declared a state of emergency for Winona, Wabasha, Fillmore, Houston, Steele and Olmsted counties in southeastern Minnesota due to the heavy rain and flooding that is causing road, infrastructure and life safety issues.

The following is the text of the Governor’s emergency declaration:

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the applicable statutes, including Minnesota Statutes 2006, Chapter 12, do hereby issue this Executive Order:

WHEREAS, on or around August 18 and 19, 2007, heavy rains caused severe flooding in Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona Counties; and

WHEREAS, the flooding threatens the life and safety of individuals, has damaged roads and bridges and other infrastructure in the affected area and further rain may worsen conditions; and

WHEREAS, the resources of local, county and state governments must be fully utilized to insure immediate response to protect the life and safety of persons in the affected area and to protect property and infrastructure from further damage; and

WHEREAS, emergency assets and personnel from state and federal agencies are needed to respond to the emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that: A peacetime emergency under Minnesota Statutes 2006, Section 12.31 exists and order that the following immediate actions occur:

1. I declare a State of Emergency to exist in the county(ies) of Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.
2. The Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is 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.
3. All state agencies, in cooperation with appropriate federal agencies, are directed to provide the assistance necessary to help local units of government respond to and recover from this emergency.
4. The Adjutant General of Minnesota will order to state active duty on or about August 19, 2007 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.
5. 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 be defrayed from the general fund of the State, as provided for in Minnesota Statutes 2006, Sections 192.49, 192.52 and 192.54.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2006, 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 2006, 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 2006, Chapter 12.

 IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 19th day of August, 2007.

This order shall be effective immediately until such time that the emergency status no longer requires emergency response.