Urgent Measures Needed To Prevent Flooding in the Minnesota River Basin

We, the Friends of the Minnesota Valley, are calling on local governments and drainage authorities in the Minnesota River Basin to address the urgent need for enhanced flood mitigation and preparedness. The devastating flooding during May and June 2024 caused record-high water levels in the Minnesota River. Along with heavy rainfall, increased urban development and increased agricultural drainage contributed to this flooding.

The Consequences of This Flooding Have Been Severe:

Homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure were submerged, causing extensive damage and displacement.
Transportation was disrupted, leading to road closures and impacting the movement of goods and services.
Agricultural fields were flooded, resulting in significant crop losses and economic hardship for farmers.
Emergency response resources were strained, requiring widespread volunteer efforts and support from various agencies.

In light of these challenges, we propose the following actions:

Pause Development Projects that Increase Flooding: We urge all local governments to pause any development projects that would increase stormwater runoff into the Minnesota River and require that projects have stormwater storage capacity for any increased yield resulting from the development project.
Pause Farm Drainage Improvements: We request that all local drainage authorities pause any agricultural drainage projects that will increase storm water flow amounts, directly or through an existing public drainage system, into any public water in Minnesota. Additionally, we are requesting that these authorities require stormwater storage capacity to prevent stormwater runoff from flowing into public waters.

Our Communities Need Your Support:

The aftermath of the flooding has highlighted the critical need for better flood mitigation strategies. Without immediate action, our communities will continue to face the devastating impacts of flooding. We must work together to protect our homes, businesses, and agricultural lands from future disasters.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for immediate action to prevent further flooding and ensure our communities are better prepared for future events. Let’s come together to make a lasting difference.

Sign the petition to demand that local governments and drainage authorities take these necessary actions to safeguard the Minnesota River Valley.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
Friends of the Minnesota Valley