Update: The Austin Herald reports on Walz's visit to Austin today here.
We must say: the reporter is being pretty cynical in this lead, since Saturday and Sunday haven't happened yet:
Flood waters have receded in Austin, but not the number of politicians.
Congressman Tim Walz was here Friday [BSP note: i.e. today] , Sen. Norm Coleman Saturday and then Gov. Tim Pawlenty Sunday.
In the span of 72 hours, a congressman, senator and governor all visited Austin after flood waters started to recede dramatically.
We're wondering if Coleman will be taking in Brian Davis's pizza party Saturday night in Austin. Just curious. 'Cause after all, there's nothing that makes people want to support Republicans more than a little flooding. [end update]
MPR reports in Walz prepares for FEMA relief that Walz and his staff are anticipating that FEMA will be providing flood relief for Southeastern Minnesota counties covered by Pawlenty's disaster declarations:
As southern Minnesota deals with the flooding, Walz said the area may be in line for disaster help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA officials toured flood-ravaged parts of southeast Minnesota Thursday. Walz said his office is preparing to secure emergency flood aid from the federal government.
"We are proactively working under the assumption that that estimate will be above the threshold necessary to trigger federal help," said Walz. "So we're doing all the preliminary things to get ready for that ahead of time so the minute that review is done we'll put everything into play and make sure we're there all the way along the line."
Walz will be touring Austin this afternoon, the Post Bulletin reports in Austin underwater again; flood is city's 3rd worst. The paper has video here. The Worthington Globe reports Flooding in Austin, Minn., revives memories of 2004 floods.
Those who wish to help can learn how in the Austin Daily Herald article Volunteers needed for flood clean up:
Due to the recent flooding and the extensive damage in the county, the United Way is helping the Red Cross coordinate volunteers for clean up.
Anyone wishing to volunteer or in need of assistance should contact the United Way of Mower County at [507] 437-2313. We will match needs with volunteers. Any amount of time you have to volunteer is greatly appreciated. There are many individuals in our community who need assistance after this disaster.
The Red Cross will be helping assess damage in the community and assist homeowners who have been displaced by this flood. If your home has suffered extensive damage please call the Red Cross at [507] 437-4589.
Many communities in Mower County were affected by recent flooding and assistance is needed county wide.
Lend a hand if you can.
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