Pawlenty declares state of emergency
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared a state of emergency in seven counties that border North Dakota in preparation for flooding in the Red River Valley.
Pawlenty has activated the National Guard to assist in flood preparations. Initially, 25 soldiers will be called on to help in Wilkin, Clay, Marshall, Polk, Norman, Kittson and Traverse counties.
The emergency declaration also directs several state agencies to implement an emergency plan and help local governments.
The latest projections from the National Weather Service say the Red River is expected to crest between up to 40 feet, which could be higher than the historic 1997 spring flood.
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