WSR 08-05-059

PROCLAMATION

OFFICE OF

THE GOVERNOR

[ September 4, 2005 ]


PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR


WHEREAS, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coasts of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama on August 29, 2005 causing catastrophic damage to public infrastructure and homes, leading to the temporary evacuation of citizens from the most severely damaged areas to various locations, including Washington State.


WHEREAS, on September 2, 2005 the Federal Emergency Management Agency asked states to evaluate their ability to receive people displaced from their homes as a result of the hurricane;


WHEREAS, Emergency Reception activities involving these individuals will overwhelm the capacities of public and private response and recovery resources in the State of Washington;


WHEREAS, Washington National Guard staff augmentation is required for successful provision of the federally requested assistance;


WHEREAS, the Washington State Military Department 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 of the disaster survivors and potential providers of assistance;


NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christine Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington, in light of the aforementioned situation and under Chapters 38.08, 38.52, and 43.06 RCW, and RCWs 38.10.010 and 74.08.090, do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists throughout the state of Washington 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 all available and appropriate state and federal resources within their control and to do everything possible to assist affected political subdivisions in an effort to respond to and recover from the event. I also hereby order into active state service the Washington National Guard, or such part thereof as may be necessary in the opinion of The Adjutant General, to perform such duties as directed by competent authority. 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 4th day of September, A. D., Two Thousand and Five.
Christine Gregoire
Governor of Washington

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