WALZ STATEMENT ON FLOODING IN SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA

08/19/2007

(Winona, MN)-Today, in response to the heavy flooding in southeastern Minnesota, Congressman Tim Walz released the following statement:

"My thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering from the effects of this flood. Earlier today, I traveled to the region to view the extent of the damage, and my heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones, homes, farms, or businesses. Minnesota has a long tradition of neighbors looking after neighbors, and I urge everyone in southern Minnesota to do what they can to help.

"By all accounts, it appears that our communities will need a lot of assistance to make it through this catastrophe. I will do everything in my power to ensure that all necessary federal aid arrives swiftly from agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Administration, the National Flood Insurance Program, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the United States Small Business Administration. In addition, I have spoken to congressional leaders including Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Peterson about the infrastructure repairs and agricultural disaster relief that will be necessary to help our communities recover," Walz said.

The Governor has declared a state of emergency for Steele, Wabasha, Fillmore, Olmsted, Winona, and Houston Counties.

Those people in flooded areas are reminded to avoid contact with floodwaters if at all possible due to the possibility of untreated sewage and other contaminants in the water.

Only emergency travel is permitted in the region. Current road closure and condition information can be found at http://www.511mn.org/.

The American Red Cross has opened the following shelters in the region to accommodate those displaced by the flooding:

1. St. Charles High School, 600 East 6th Street, St. Charles
2. St. Mary's University, Winona
3. Wabasha/Kellogg High School, 2113 Hiawatha Dr., Wabasha
4. Rushford Public High School, 102 N. Mill St., Rushford
5. Good Shepherd Community Center, 800 Home St., Rushford
6. Plainview/Elgin/Millville Middle School, 70 1st St. SE, Elgin
7. Chesterwoods Park, 8378 Highway 14 East, Eyota

Those seeking information about friends and family should contact the Red Cross at 507-452-4258.

Sheriffs of the affected counties can be contacted at the following:

IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, PLEASE DIAL 911

Steele County Sheriff
204 E. Pearl St.
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-444-3800

Wabasha County Sheriff
618 Broadway
Wabasha, MN 55981
651-565-3361

Fillmore County Sheriff
901 Houston St.
Preston, MN 55965
507-765-3874

Winona County Sheriff
201 W. 3rd St.
Winona, MN 55987
507-457-6368

Olmsted County Sheriff
101 4th St. SE
Rochester, MN 55903-3178
507-285-8308

Houston County Sheriff
304 S. Marshall St.
Caledonia, MN 55921-0106
507-725-3379