Good morning. On behalf of Michael Smith, who was appointed by the President to help Governor Pawlenty and his staff in this disaster, I want to let you know that FEMA is here. We have located a JFO just outside of Moorhead, so we will be in the area for the seven counties.
 
We realize -- as you do -- that there are still things to be done and things that will be a challenge. The declaration that has been issued by the President -- an emergency measure -- does allow us to offer direct federal assistance for many agencies and if those are needed we'll see that those are here.
 
We also have commodities on hand in case those are needed. As far as the process... The recommendations and request for the major disaster declaration has gone forward through the FEMA regional office up to headquarters and it's being reviewed. Hopefully we'll hear very shortly on that.
 
On a personal note, I have to say I've seen some gargantuan efforts here. It's humbling to see how well you've done. I think this group of people in this area have proven our United States motto, which we see on our currency: E Pluribus Unum. You really get it by all coming
together. A tremendous number of hands make light work.
 
We'll be here. There are hazard mitigation grant programs; that's a 15 percent premium on the total damages that can be given back to the state to do further projects in mitigation. And of course the Individual Assistance and PA program.
 
There are other agencies in the federal government that can give their own declarations to help the state. I'm not speaking for them, but those are available.
 
I'll leave it at that at this point.