Senator Amy Klobuchar

Working for the People of Minnesota

Press Contact

Joel Gross
Press Secretary
(202) 224-3244

News Releases

Klobuchar and Peterson Announce Federal Disaster Assistance for 7 Northwestern Minnesota Counties

Obama Administration approves Minnesota's request for expedited federal emergency assistance Klobuchar and Peterson plan to visit area tomorrow

March 26, 2009

Washington, D.C. – After urging Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) officials to quickly consider Minnesota’s request for expedited federal disaster assistance in areas affected by flood waters, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that President Obama has granted Minnesota's request for federal disaster assistance in areas affected by flood waters and declared a state of emergency in Minnesota.

“Our local officials, first responders, citizens and volunteers from the region are doing incredible work, but it was clear that we need the full resources of the federal government to support the communities threatened by flood waters,”
said Klobuchar.  “We have seen the strength of these communities shine through in these difficult days and tonight’s announcement will help these communities with the extensive flooding.  I will continue to push for all appropriate federal assistance for our affected communities.”

The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is authorized to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of catastrophe in the designated areas.  Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent Federal funding.

This assistance is for the counties of Clay, Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Traverse, and Wilkin.

Yesterday, Klobuchar, Congressman Collin Peterson and members of the North Dakota congressional delegation met with President Obama to press for help for North Dakota and Minnesota residents hurt by the floods and both offices have been in close contact with local and federal officials in the area.

Below are TENTATIVE details of TOMORROW’s visit (all times Central):

WHO:
Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Collin Peterson

WHEN:
11:15 AM – 1:00 PM: Fly over affected areas of Red River Valley
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM: Travel affected areas with city officials
2:00 PM: Press Availability at Nemsek Fieldhouse with local officials
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Meet with volunteers at Nemsek Fieldhouse at Minnesota State – Moorhead

Note: More details to be released as they become available

###

Senator Klobuchar’s Offices

302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main Line: 202-224-3244
Main Fax: 202-228-2186
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1200 Washington Avenue South, Suite 250
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Main Line: 612-727-5220
Main Fax: 612-727-5223
Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043

1134 7th Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Main Line: 507-288-5321
Fax: 507-288-2922

121 4th Street South
Moorhead, MN 56560
Main Line: 218-287-2219
Fax: 218-287-2930

Olcott Plaza, Suite 105
820 9th Street North
Virginia, MN 55792
Main Line: 218-741-9690
Fax: 218-741-3692