Pawlenty declares emergency in Fillmore, Houston counties Eds: APNewsNow. Will be led.

ST. PAUL (AP) Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared a state of emergency in flood-ravaged Fillmore and Houston counties.

Pawlenty signed an executive order declaring the emergency in the southeastern Minnesota counties.

The order triggers a damage assessment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine if the counties are eligible for federal assistance.

Weekend storms dumped to up 10 inches of rain in parts of southeastern Minnesota, washing out roads and causing mudslides.

The floodwaters are receding, but the National Weather Service says more rain may be on the way this week.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-10-08 1523CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list