FEMA Head In Minnesota Viewing Flooding

March 30, 2009 8:05 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - A top administrator with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in Minnesota to meet with representatives from communities there and in North Dakota affected by flooding.

FEMA Acting Administrator Nancy Ward is in the area meeting with federal, state, and local officials, viewing the affected communities and assessing what residents affected by the disaster need.

President Barack Obama issued disaster declarations for the flood-affected states of Minnesota and North Dakota making available to state and eligible local governments federal funds to help protect property and lives from flooding and for clean-up and rebuilding needs.

"I am impressed to witness first-hand the resilient and dedicated teamwork among the communities," Ward said in a statement. "We are dedicated to working with local, state and tribal officials in North Dakota and Minnesota to continue to protect the people and the property here."

The Red River is receding in Fargo, ND, and it was down to 39.59 feet Monday from its Saturday record high level of 40.82 feet. But a heavy winter storm with 10 inches of snow is on the way, so residents there aren't out of danger from flooding yet as floodwaters continue to strain the sand bag dike.