FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2019

Mike Lovas
City of Saint Paul, Emergency Management Department
651-266-5497 (office) 651-238-9087 (cell)
mike.lovas@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Saint Paul, MN (March 20, 2019) - The City of Saint Paul has declared a local flood emergency in response to the forecasted spring flooding. This procedural declaration, which is a part of Saint Paul’s flood response plan, empowers the city to quickly mobilize resources to protect residents and infrastructure related to Mississippi River flood conditions.

"With a historic snowfall this winter, combined with the rapid snowmelt, we are anticipating significant spring flooding of the Mississippi River,” said Mayor Melvin Carter. “This action ensures we are prepared to respond and keep our city safe.”

“This declaration is a part of Saint Paul’s flood response plan, and ensures we can take the reasonable and necessary actions to protect residents and infrastructure in our city,” said Emergency Management Director Rick Schute. “We continue to coordinate with our partners at the County, State, and Federal level to ensure we can mitigate the effects of spring flooding in Saint Paul.”

The declaration permits Saint Paul Emergency Management to request and coordinate the appropriate aid and resources from surrounding jurisdictions, including the Ramsey County Division of Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and the State of Minnesota as needed. It also permits city departments to quickly mobilize available resources and conduct immediate purchasing and contracting. The declaration also ensures the city can qualify for reimbursement should a federal declaration be declared.

As of March 20, the National Weather Service (NWS) measured the Mississippi River height at 7.57 feet. A minor flood stage is declared at 14 feet, and current NWS forecasts the Mississippi River at Saint Paul will reach a minor flood stage by Sunday, March 24.

For more information and updates, please visit https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/emergency-management/flood-preparations

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Last Edited: March 20, 2019