Governor Terry Branstad is deploying the National Guard to respond to flooding in 13 Iowa counties and prepare for future flooding downriver. “We just have to deal with whatever situation comes our way,” Branstad told reporters. “We need to be as well-prepared and in a situation like this in major cities like Waterloo and Cedar Rapids, obviously,we have a little time to prepare and we want to do everything we can for the state to assist the communities and doing the best job we can to avoid and mitigate damage.”

Branstad has signed a proclamation declaring a “disaster emergency” in 13 counties affected by flooding. The counties included are Allamakee, Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Cedar, Chickasaw, Delaware, Floyd, Franklin, Linn and Wright. Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Timothy Orr says there were lessons learned during the significant flooding of 2008.

“I think it starts with the community preparedness,” Orr says. “We’re seeing that all up and down our rivers, the pro-active approach of our communities.” Orr has deployed teams of soldiers to emergency management offices in 11 counties. Three more teams will be deployed today (Saturday), focusing on areas south of Iowa City.

We’ve learned that by working from the Mississippi River north, we can get after some of those big issues early on and identify potential issues that will give us time and an ability to bring resources.” Flooding is NOT expected in Iowa City, but Orr says communities like Columbus Junction and Oakville may need to brace for flooding.

Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds will tour flood damage in Clarksville, Shell Rock and Cedar Rapids today (Saturday).

(Radio Iowa)