Aug 20, 2007 8:03 pm US/Central
Gov. Tours, Urges Patience On Flood Response
Winona, Minn. (WCCO) ―
-
-
Gov. Tim Pawlenty said the process for getting assistance from FEMA is under way.
CBS
Governor Tim Pawlenty is urging flood victims to be patient with local, state and federal government officials responding to this weekend's flood that left six people dead and at least one missing.
For the second day in a row, Pawlenty toured the devastation in southeastern Minnesota, spending much of his day in Houston County.
"Having the bridge collapse and then this happen shortly after is more frequently that we like or that we're used to but the response has been terrific," said Pawlenty.
The governor also spoke to about 100 flood victims in Winona, many of whom showed up thinking there was going to be a FEMA meeting.
"We've all be left out in the cold by the insurance companies," said one flood victim to the Governor.
Pawlenty listened to the complaints, including a woman who started to cry, saying no one will give her a car seat for her baby.
"We'll make sure we get you a Red Cross person and if need be I'll drive you myself to the store and we'll get you a booster seat. That shouldn't be that big of a problem," Pawlenty responded.
Pawlenty said the process for getting assistance from FEMA is under way. He says he plans on talking about the situation ton Tuesday with a previously-scheduled meeting with President Bush in Minneapolis.
However, Goodview resident Michael Heil is getting frustrated. He said there hasn't been good communication about what flood victims are to do. He and his wife and two small children don't know whether it's OK for them to return to their apartment.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
