Restoring downed power lines is one area Governor Tim Walz indicates he’s watching closely, as Minnesota deals with the aftermath of a major spring snowstorm. He says, “Biggest thing last night was to try and figure out some things to get the power lines back up, and we were coordinating with federal authorities. Senator Klobuchar helped us to try and get some of the trucks up from Iowa to be able to help us out.” The governor ordered the National Guard to assist stranded motorists — reportedly in Freeborn, Mower and Steele counties in southern Minnesota and Marshall County in the northwest. Walz says his administration is also monitoring overland flooding, particularly in northwest Minnesota.
The governor says this week’s major snowstorm could push back spring planting in a farm economy that’s already “really fragile.” Walz says he’s “really thankful… the legislature provided the emergency funding to replenish our [disaster contingency] account so we have the money in there, we have the resources. We’re organized.” Walz says the legislature’s actions so far have been “spectacular” and if additional aid is necessary, he “would certainly think… there would be a quick response.”