Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed Executive Order 08-12 declaring a State of Emergency in Freeborn and Mower Counties due to flooding which resulted from recent storms. 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 08-12

DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN FREEBORN AND MOWER 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, heavy rains in Southeastern Minnesota have caused flooding in portions of Freeborn and Mower counties; and

WHEREAS, the flooding has resulted in loss of life and significant damage to personal property, homes, businesses and public infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Freeborn and Mower counties have declared emergencies; and

WHEREAS, the resources of local, county and state governments must be fully utilized to ensure 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 Freeborn and Mower 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 in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 2006, Chapter 12.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 12th day of June, 2008.