WSR 08-24-113

PROCLAMATION

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR


[ November 26, 2008 ]


PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR

08-08



     WHEREAS, extensive flooding in western and central Washington as well as high winds in southern Washington occurred from November 3-12, 2008, threatening citizens and property of Washington State; and

     Numerous rivers were at or over flood stage and have caused extensive damage to state and county road systems in Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, and Yakima Counties and has resulted in damage from flooding, rockslides, and landslides; the estimated cost to correct the road system damage is over $16,000,000 and growing, requiring the approval of Washington's Secretary of Transportation to commence work to repair, remove and replace the affected roadways; and emergency conditions may warrant closure of affected roadways and implementation of emergency procurement procedures; and

     The Washington State Department of Transportation and county Public Works departments continue to assess the magnitude of this event, and coordinate resources to repair, remove and replace the affected roadways to alleviate the immediate impacts upon the infrastructure; and

     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 implemented response procedures, and 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 Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, and Yakima Counties and direct the plans and procedures to the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan be implemented. State agencies and departments are directed to utilize state resources and to do everything reasonably possible to assist affected 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 26th day of November, 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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