Governor Pawlenty Asks President Obama To Declare Disaster Area

Here is some aerial footage taken of last years flooding courtesy of the TheUptake.

March 9, 2010
State Capitol - By Marty Owings

Governor Pawlenty sent a letter to President Obama today asking for a Disaster declaration in response to the anticipated spring flooding. Pawlenty states in his letter that, "I have determined the potential severity and magnitude would exceed the capabilities of the state". Pawlenty adds in his letter, "Based on the extensive flood preparedness efforts underway in communities throughout the Red River and Minnesota Basins, I am requesting direct federal assistance for emergency protective measures addressing life-saving/sustaining, property protection, and public health and safety."

The National Weather service released its flood forecast today that stated, "Major flooding is likely for most locations...of the Red River." The forecast also predicts a 90% or greater risk of reaching or exceeding major flood stage in Fargo, which means that same prediction holds for Moorhead. The Weather Service also advises that Residents along the Red River should prepare for, "major flooding".

Link to Weather Service Flood Prediction:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=fgf&storyid=49321&...

1997 Red River Flooding
Photo Courtesy of WxGopher http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:WxGopher