PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR

WHEREAS, the cumulative effects of storm events including heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding that began January 30, 2003, continue to threaten citizens and property of Washington State; and

WHEREAS, these events have caused extensive damage to the transportation infrastructure in several counties in Washington. As of February 6, 2003, the damage costs have reached an estimated $1,038,500, and may continue to increase; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Transportation is coordinating resources to repair and clear roadways of debris to alleviate the immediate infrastructure impacts, and is continuing to assess the magnitude of these events;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, 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 King, Yakima, Cowlitz, Snohomish, Kittitas, and Walla Walla Counties, and direct the supporting plans and procedures of 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 events. The Washington State Department of Transportation is directed 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 8th day of January A.D., Two thousand two.
 

 

GARY LOCKE
Governor of Washington

   
BY THE GOVERNOR:  
Secretary of State