Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed Emergency Executive Order 10-14 declaring a state of emergency in the state of Minnesota due to heavy rainfall which has resulted in flooding in southern Minnesota.

By his executive order, the Governor is activating the National Guard to provide assistance in providing emergency relief services.

The Governor’s executive order also directs the Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to activate 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.

HSEM has activated the state emergency operations center to respond to requests for assistance from local government as they fight flooding in their communities.

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

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 10-14

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 applicable statutes, including Minnesota Statutes 2009, Chapter 12, do hereby issue this Executive Order:

WHEREAS, a heavy rainfall has resulted in flooding in southern Minnesota, which necessitated road closures and threatened both public and private property; and

WHEREAS, near-record rainfall has been forecast for multiple locations in the southern half of the state and additional significant rainfall is expected in the next week; 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 including areas in Blue Earth, Brown, Carver, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Dakota, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Jackson, Lac Qui Parle, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Olmsted, Pipestone, Ramsey, Rice, Rock, Scott, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, Winona and Yellow Medicine Counties; 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:

1. A State of Emergency pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2009, Section 12.31 exists.

2. The Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will activate 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 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 September 23, 2010, 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 by defrayed from the general fund of the State, as provided for in Minnesota Statutes 2009, Sections 192.49, 192.52 and 192.54.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2009, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the emergency status no longer requires emergency response. The peacetime emergency can be extended by the Executive Council or the Legislature in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 2009, 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 2009, Chapter 12. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 23rd day of September, 2010.