PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR

WHEREAS, the cumulative effects of a fuel tanker accident and fire on I-5 in Snohomish County that began July 12, 2003 has caused extensive damage and continues to impact the citizens, property, and infrastructure of Washington State; and

WHEREAS, this event and its cumulative effects have caused extensive damage to the transportation infrastructure in Snohomish County in Washington. The fire, fueled by 11,300 gallons of gasoline caused damage to the northbound lanes of I-5’s guardrail, bridge rail ends, bridge deck, and concrete overlay. Temporary and permanent repair costs to lanes 1 through 4 for the full length of the affected area are estimated to be between $1 and $1.2 million; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Transportation is coordinating resources to repair the roadways to alleviate the immediate impacts upon the infrastructure, 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 Snohomish County 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. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Transportation shall 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 11th day of August A.D., Two thousand three.
 

 

GARY LOCKE
Governor of Washington

   
BY THE GOVERNOR:  
Secretary of State