News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 5, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke proclaims state of emergency for five counties

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke today proclaimed a state of emergency in five Washington counties as a result of winter storms that began in November 1998. Counties named in this proclamation include Thurston, Jefferson, Kitsap, Pacific, and Mason.

"A continuous series of winter storms has created both river and groundwater flooding, as well as numerous landslides around the state," Locke said. "State government now has the authority to redirect budgeted resources to help the counties respond to, and recover from, this ongoing emergency."

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. No new state funds have been appropriated to cover these expenses.

The proclamation is a step in the process, which may lead to a presidential disaster declaration. County officials are assessing damages to determine if sufficient damage has been incurred to justify a request for a major federal disaster declaration. In response to a question about financial help for private citizens, Locke said, "Federal individual assistance programs would not be available until after a federal disaster declaration."

The proclamation authorizes the Washington Military Department and its Emergency Management Division to coordinate state agency activities in the affected areas.

State actions are coordinated through the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Camp Murray near Tacoma. Operated by the Emergency Management Division of the Washington Military Department, the State EOC is open 24 hours a day throughout the year.

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