~ Governor traveling to southeastern Minnesota to meet with local officials ~

Saint Paul - 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 Governor and Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion are in southeastern Minnesota this afternoon to meet with officials about the emergency response.

“We are moving swiftly to ensure that any and all needed state resources are available to assist with the rescue and recovery effort in southeastern Minnesota,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Residents of this area have said these heavy rains and flooding are unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. We’re going to make sure that all proper action is taken immediately to help those impacted by the flooding.”

At approximately 2:00 a.m. this morning, Governor Pawlenty authorized 75 soldiers and two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and their crews from the Minnesota National Guard to deploy to Winona County to help with emergency response efforts.

The Minnesota National Guard soldiers, members of the Quick Response Force, are assisting the Winona County sheriff’s department in providing security for the evacuated towns of Elba, Stockton, and Pickwick.

The emergency declaration for the six counties in southeastern Minnesota allows the state to take action and coordinate response efforts, including engaging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to use pumps and generators to move water to avoid levee breeching – primarily along the Root River and Mississippi River.

In the coming days, the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will coordinate damage assessment and determine the need for disaster aid.