We applaud President Bush's decision Friday to declare the northwest portion of Minnesota a disaster area.

Bush's decision now clears the way for federal grants and loans to become available to the residents of that region to help them get their lives back together.

Many residents here can sympathize with those living in the town of Roseau, as flooding has ravaged this town of 3,000. Austin is no stranger to being the victim of floods, particularly in the past few years.

Those floods weren't as bad as what's currently happening in Roseau, as nearly every building in that town has been damaged by the overflowing Roseau River. Still, many residents know the frustration and heartache on what happens when you're flooded out of your home or business.

Bush's order will extend federal aid to 13 counties that were hit when the heavy rains started last weekend. Besides Roseau, Ada and other residents in nearby towns have been scurrying to fill sandbags to save what's left of houses, other buildings and this year's crops.

We are also appreciative of the work by U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn. and Democratic U.S. Sens. Mark Dayton and Paul Wellstone. It's times like these when leadership is needed to get things done, and it's good to see these three are working for the people that elected them to their respective positions.

There's no question that Roseau and the other northwestern Minnesota towns affected by these floods will bounce back. And it's good to see there's state and federal support happening right now to ensure that it happens.