WSR 99-06-096

PROCLAMATION

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR


[ March 2, 1999 ]

WHEREAS, the cumulative effect of a series of winter storms that began in November of 1998, resulting in record rainfalls in western Washington, has caused and continues to cause extensive floods and slides beginning January 29, 1999, and is threatening citizens and property of Washington State;


WHEREAS, flooding and slides are causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and public utilities in Thurston, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, and Pacific counties;


WHEREAS, the Washington State Military Department, following the state's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, has activated the state Emergency Operations Center, implemented response procedures, and is coordinating resources to support local officials in alleviating the immediate social and economic impacts to people, property, and infrastructure, and is assessing the magnitude of the disaster. The severity and magnitude of the destruction from the severe weather, flooding, and slides are beyond the response and recovery capabilities of the affected political subdivisions;


NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, Governor of the state of Washington, as a result of the aforementioned situation and under Chapters 38.08, 38.52, and 43.06 RCW, do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists in Thurston, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, and Pacific counties, and direct the supporting plans and procedures to the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan be implemented. State agencies and departments are directed to use state resources and do everything possible to assist affected political subdivisions in an effort to respond to and recover from the events. Additionally, the Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division, is instructed to coordinate all event-related assistance to the affected areas.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the state of Washington to be affixed at Olympia, this 2nd day of March, A.D., Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Nine.
Gary Locke

Governor of Washington


BY THE GOVERNOR:


Ralph Munro

Secretary of State

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