whereas, heavy rains and floods occurred on May 26 and 27, 1998, threatening citizens and property of Washington State;

whereas, the heavy rains and floods are causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, public utilities, public facilities, and infrastructure in Ferry and Stevens Counties;

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 to people, property, and infrastructure, and is assessing the magnitude of the event;

now, therefore, I, Gary Locke, Governor of the state of Washington, as a result of the aforementioned situation and under RCW 38.08, 38.52, and 43.06, do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists in Ferry and Stevens Counties and direct the implementation of the supporting plans and procedures of the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. State agencies and departments are directed to utilize state resources 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 service the state of 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.