 On Tuesday, Governor Walz, United States Senator Amy Klobuchar, and public safety and emergency management staff took an aerial tour of Henderson, Le Sueur, the Rapidan Dam, and Waterville following severe flooding across southern Minnesota.
“Southern Minnesota is my home – I’m hearing incredibly challenging stories from friends and family in Mankato. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their homes, their businesses, their priceless personal belongings,” said Governor Walz. “However, when faced with crisis, we come together. Community members, volunteers, emergency responders, and local leadership are stepping up in big and small ways to keep their neighbors safe and ensure they have something to eat and a place to stay. The state is here to help and we will continue our work to keep our people, property, and public infrastructure protected.”
Last weekend, Governor Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist with local emergency flood operations. Last Friday, Governor Walz traveled to the cities of Cook and Biwabik in Northeastern Minnesota where floodwaters damaged residences and businesses and washed out dozens of roads.
Based on preliminary damage assessments, Governor Walz sent a letter this week to President Joe Biden requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration. A federal disaster declaration would provide much-needed resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure.
 On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan traveled to south central Minnesota to highlight local and state resources for those impacted by flooding.
"This morning, I surveyed flood damage in Mankato. This is an extremely challenging time for our neighbors," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "As the Minnesota National Guard assists with emergency flood operations, we're making sure impacted communities know about the state resources available to them."
 Governor Walz visited a wind energy farm in Dexter, where he celebrated new legislation removing roadblocks for renewable power developers.
“As I sign this legislation, communities from one end of our state to the other are looking at months of rebuilding after an extreme weather event exacerbated by climate change. This is a measure that will help protect our environment and get the clean energy projects that are going to help fight climate change in motion,” said Governor Walz. “Today, we’re cutting red tape for businesses, helping more projects get off the ground, and supporting the clean energy job sector to make the transition to a clean energy economy easier. Together we’re taking meaningful steps to combat climate change.”
 After more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction, Governor Walz joined veterans and community leaders to officially dedicate the new veterans home in Preston.
“I am honored to dedicate and showcase the state’s newest veterans home in Preston,” said Governor Walz. “Our veterans have made considerable sacrifices to protect our state and country, and it is now our turn to take care of them. I am grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and everyone who has worked tirelessly to build these crucially needed homes and create the spaces our veterans deserve.”
 Lieutenant Governor Flanagan met with the Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans at Mudluk, an art studio in Minneapolis.
"Community leaders, including those on our Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans, are making our state a safer place for all," said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "There’s work to do. But together, we’re building a state where everyone can live as their full, beautiful selves. Thanks to Mudluk for hosting us today."
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