Klobuchar Questions Secretary Napolitano at Judiciary Oversight Hearing on FEMA Flood Preparations

Press Release

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today questioned Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano about the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) efforts to prepare for the upcoming flood season in Minnesota. Klobuchar focused on the potential risk for dangerous flooding across the Red River Valley as well as in the Minnesota and Mississippi River Valleys, and urged Secretary Napolitano to ensure that FEMA is taking all appropriate action to inform and protect these communities in advance of expected spring flooding.

"As spring approaches, communities across Minnesota are once again facing the threat of widespread flooding," Klobuchar said. "I will continue to push FEMA to work with our communities in preparing and coordinating flood protection efforts."

In response to Klobuchar's questioning, Secretary Napolitano described FEMA's work saying, "FEMA is already leaning forward into it before flooding occurs, working with communities to make sure that equipment is pre-deployed so that we can respond as quickly as possible."

Klobuchar, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently joined U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) to tour flood preparation and prevention efforts in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The Senators met with the Red River Retention Authority and Natural Resource Conservation Service to discuss plans to improve water retention throughout the basin as part of the Red River Valley's overall water management plan. Congressman Collin Peterson joined the meetings by conference call.

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