WSR 08-12-005

PROCLAMATION

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR


[ Filed May 23, 2008, 2:22 p.m. ]


PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR


     WHEREAS, higher than average temperatures caused the melting of above-normal snowpack levels in the mountains on May 16 through May 19, 2008, threatening citizens and property of Washington State, and resulting in rising water levels in rivers and streams on May 17, 2008, causing extensive damage to roadways in Spokane, Kittitas, King, Skagit, Chelan, and Okanogan Counties;

     The estimated cost to correct the damage is $1,000,000 and growing, requiring the approval of the Secretary of Washington's Department of Transportation to commence work to repair, remove and replace the affected roadways; emergency conditions may warrant closure of affected roadways and implementation of emergency procurement procedures;

     The Washington State Department of Transportation is continuing to assess the magnitude of this event, and coordinating resources to repair, remove and replace the affected roadways to alleviate the immediate impacts upon the infrastructure;

     The Washington State Military Department continues to monitor the situation through the State Emergency Operations Center in support of the Washington State Department of Transportation, in addition to implementing appropriate response procedures, coordinating resources to support local officials in alleviating the immediate social and economic impacts to people, property, and infrastructure, and assessing the magnitude of the event.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christine O. Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington, as a result of the above-noted situation and under Chapters 38.52 and 43.06 RCW, do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists in Spokane, Kittitas, King, Skagit, Chelan, and Okanogan Counties, and direct the plans and procedures of the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan be implemented. State agencies and departments are directed to utilize state resources and do everything reasonably possible to assist the affected state agencies and political subdivisions in an effort to respond to and recover from the event. Additionally, the Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division is instructed to coordinate all event-related assistance to the affected areas.

     Signed and sealed with the official seal of the state of Washington this 21st day of May, A.D, Two Thousand and Eight at Olympia, Washington.


By:
Christine O. Gregoire

Governor
BY THE GOVERNOR
Sam Reed
Secretary of State

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