PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR

WHEREAS, heavy winds and rain, floods and mudslides occurred starting October 16, 2003 and continues to threaten citizens and property of Washington State;

WHEREAS, these events have caused major flooding of residential areas and closing of roads, mudslides, and continues to cause extensive damage to homes, businesses, public utilities, public facilities, and infrastructure in Clallam, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties;

WHEREAS, the Washington State Military Department has activated the state Emergency Operations Center, implemented response procedures, deployed National Guard AGR and federal technician personnel and equipment to respond to specific imminent threats to life and property, and is coordinating resources to support local officials in alleviating the immediate social and economic impacts to people, property, and infrastructure, and is continuing to assess the magnitude of the event;

WHEREAS, Governor Gary Locke is currently outside the United States and I am therefore the acting Governor pursuant to State Law;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Brad Owen, Lieutenant 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 Clallam, Skagit, and Whatcom 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 utilize state resources and 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 17th day of October A.D., Two thousand three.
 

 

BRAD OWEN
Lieutenant Governor of Washington

   
BY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR:  
Deputy Secretary of State