Dayton outlines flood disaster plans
Governor Mark Dayton toured Minnesota cities to reassure city leaders and citizens that the state is prepared to respond to potentially widespread flooding. In Winona, which is expected to reach flood stage March 27, KAAL reports that12,000 guard troops are on hand to respond and help should their assistance be needed. Flooding concerns in Winona are based in part on the fact that many of the rivers expected to flood upstate including the St. Croix, Minnesota and Chippewa drain into the Mississippi before it flows by Winona.
Even with it's support, the state can only do so much in a disaster. Dayton stressed the state is there to support the lead undertaken by local communities.
"We will support you ... as you deal with what is about to happen" -- state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Kris Eide (Mankato Free Press)
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Additional counties and municipalities are joining a growing list of emergency declarations. Washington County declared a state of emergency -- the city of Afton expected to follow suit.
The flood threat inspired Audrey Kletscher Helbling to write a retrospective and post a series of photos of last year's flash flood in southeastern Minnesota.
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Insight Now-Common Cents Conversations
State Budget - Taxes and Spending
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For months dozens of Minnesotans have gathered together to talk about the values and priorities that should dictate making a state budget. The Citizens League, through its Common Cents initiative held forums from Grand Rapids to Bemidji to Rochester to the Twin Cities. Now Minnesota Public Radio News and Insight Now get to play a role in deepening that discussion.
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