Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 11, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke proclaims state of emergency in Grays Harbor County

OLYMPIA – Gov. Gary Locke today proclaimed a state of emergency in Grays Harbor County as a result of winter storms that began in January 1999. The governor's winter storm emergency proclamation now includes Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties.

"Grays Harbor County has suffered substantial road damage because of flooding and landslides. Winds and high water also have damaged a number of businesses and homes, especially in Ocean Shores and Westport," Locke said.

Locke's emergency proclamation directs state government to support emergency response activities as needed around the state, allowing state agencies to make extraordinary expenditures and use of resources. The proclamation authorizes the Washington Military Department and its Emergency Management Division to coordinate state agency activities in the affected areas.

The proclamation is a step in the process that could obtain federal disaster assistance. County officials are continuing to assess damages to determine if sufficient damage has been incurred to justify requests for federal assistance.

Preliminary damage assessments in the county revealed more than $2 million in public facility damages and more than $45,000 in damages to homes and businesses.

Additional information about the program can be obtained from Ben Dew, Washington Emergency Management Division, at (253) 512-7076.

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