Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 18, 1999
Contact:  Robert Harper, Washington Emergency Management Division, 1-800-688-8955

Locke proclaims state of emergency in Clallam County

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

"Floods and slides have damaged Clallam County homes, businesses, farmlands, public infrastructure and utilities, as well as roads and bridges," Locke said. "This proclamation will authorize state agencies to help local governments begin to help their residents recover from these winter storm damages."

Yesterday, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued a disaster declaration to help residents and business owners of property damaged by the storms in seven of the eight counties listed above.

The governor's emergency proclamation directs state government to support local emergency response activities as needed in the affected counties. It allows state agencies to use specific resources to help local governments in their efforts. The proclamation authorizes the Washington Military Department and its Emergency Management Division to coordinate state agency activities in those areas.

County officials continue to assess damages to determine if there's enough damage for the state and/or local governments to apply for federal assistance in Clallam County.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive