Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed Executive Order 08-11 declaring a State of Emergency in Fillmore and Houston Counties due to flooding and mudslides which resulted from storms over the weekend. The Governor’s executive order triggers a damage assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to determine if these counties are eligible for federal assistance.

The following is the text of the Governor’s order:

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 08-11

DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN FILLMORE AND HOUSTON COUNTIES

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 June 7 and 8, a stalled storm system dropped up to 10 inches of rain in areas of Southeastern Minnesota, resulting in flash flooding and mudslides in portions of Houston and Fillmore counties; and

WHEREAS, the flooding has required the evacuation of homes, and resulted in damage to personal property, homes, businesses and public infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Houston and Fillmore counties have declared an emergency; and

WHEREAS, the resources of local, county and state governments must be fully utilized to insure the necessary response, damage assessment and recovery efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that:

1. A State of Emergency pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2006, Section 12.31 exists in Houston and Fillmore Counties.

2. The Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will activate the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan and provide assistance to the affected local governments in determining 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.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2006, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the emergency status no longer requires emergency response.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 10th day of June, 2008.