[ST. PAUL, MN] – This weekend, amid severe flooding, Governor Tim Walz traveled to northwest Minnesota to meet with farmers and survey the impact of severe flooding on the spring planting season.

“Our state and country rely on Minnesota farmers to successfully plant and harvest on time, but flooded roads and fields have delayed farmers across the region. This time last year, Jim Nelson and his sons, fifth generation farmers in Oslo, were completely done with their planting. This year, their fields that should be full of planted sugar beets, corn, soybeans, wheat, and barley are entirely flooded,” said Governor Walz. “The delay in spring planting will not only impact our farmers’ livelihoods, but will also likely impact crop yields, profitability, and international trade.”

This week, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 22-11 , authorizing temporary regulatory relief for motor carriers and drivers supporting spring crop planting in Minnesota. In late April, Governor Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide support for emergency flood operations in northwest Minnesota, including personnel, equipment, and resources, and last week, Governor Walz authorized Minnesota Army National Guard helicopter support for the State of North Dakota’s flood response.

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s 2022 Local Jobs and Projects Plan provides $20 million to cities, counties, and watershed districts across the state to mitigate flood risks.