State Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) and DFL colleague Kent Eken (D- Twin Valley) sent a bipartisan letter today to Governor Walz requesting an executive order declaring an emergency to deal with the extensive flooding causing financial and logistical challenges for Minnesota farmers. The letter also requests that the administration works with federal authorities to seek a secretarial disaster designation through the United States Department of Agriculture, as well as a presidential disaster declaration. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed a similar executive order in Mid-October.
“Since the rain began in early September, our farmers across Northwestern Minnesota warned about the catastrophic impact would have their harvest if it continued. After nearly two months of poor conditions, they are hurting,” said Senator Johnson. “Issuing an executive order is of the utmost importance, and I’m working with this administration to secure all available resources needed to support our farmers and local communities.”
An executive order, paired with the federal declarations, would give farmers access to critical financial assistance and help communities.
In the 2019 session, Senator Johnson worked with environment officials who predicted severe flooding for parts of the state. Senator Johnson played a critical role in securing funding to replenish Minnesota’s Disaster Assistance Contingency Account, which at the time stood empty.
In addition to requesting emergency executive action, Senator Johnson and the Senate’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee will be holding a hearing in Crookston on November 15th to address the flooding and highlight the catastrophic harvest conditions across the state. The event will also provide residents of Northwest Minnesota additional information on ways the state may be able to help.