Moorhead, Minn. âÄì Moorhead Mayor Mark Voxland said this is the worst flood he has ever seen in the Red River Valley for two reasons: he is mayor, and water is reaching inexperienced heights. The second reason is what drew Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty , Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., to the Clay County Courthouse in Moorhead Friday. They brought news from President Barack Obama, whose attention has been grabbed by the record-breaking river heights the Fargo-Moorhead area is enduring. Pawlenty spoke with Obama just before arriving in Moorhead. The president formally declared an emergency for the state of Minnesota Thursday according to a press release. âÄúThe first phase of federal funds has already arrived in the form of federal consulting, federal help, federal personnel and that has played a key role,âÄù Pawlenty said. âÄúThe next important step is âĦ the federal governmentâÄôs granting of the âÄòmajor disaster declaration.âÄôâÄù The declaration has been requested and must await approval by the Department of Homeland Security, he said. This declaration will be a âÄútriggering mechanismâÄù that will lead to additional federal assistance, including aid in the aftermath. Pawlenty stressed prompt action by the federal government. Klobuchar spoke optimistically of the help being offered by the federal government. âÄúThe fact that we already have this emergency designation, that already some of the activities are being funded federally, I think bodes well,âÄù said Klobuchar. The three visiting officials assured areas being hit by the flood that they are working with the federal government and building relations that will benefit Minnesota both during and after the river persists.