Political Quotes

“I rise today to commend the communities of Minnesota's Red River Valley for their extraordinary flood mitigation efforts this year. Spring flooding in the Red River Valley is an enormous challenge to my constituents in Moorehead and in surrounding communities and the communities downstream. Last year, these communities experienced record flooding with snow melt draining into the Red River and resulting in over 40 feet of water filling the valley. The families of the Red River Valley saw severe overland flooding resulting in the devastation of their homes, road closures, and the cutting off of transportation in and out of the area. This year, the Red River Valley is getting ready for what is generally forecast to be a major flood. Right now the National Weather Service is forecasting a 90-percent chance of major flooding of over 35 feet. I spent this past weekend in Moorehead, MN, and surrounding communities and communities downstream meeting with local leaders and talking to folks on the ground getting ready for the flooding. Their flood preparation efforts this year are truly impressive. The city of Moorehead and Clay County have been acquiring houses in the floodplain and moving them out of harm's way. As a result, Moorehead is going to need one-third fewer sandbags this year compared to last year. Volunteers are already at work sandbagging, getting ready to fortify the levees. I went to the Moorehead facility building this weekend to bag sandbags. We do that inside.…”