Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 29, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke proclaims emergency in two counties

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today proclaimed an emergency in two Northeast Washington counties because of this week's floods. The proclamation includes Ferry and Stevens counties.

"Heavy rains this week flooded many roads and damaged property in counties where many residents experienced flooding just a year ago," Locke said. "Necessary repairs must start immediately to restore essential roads and public services."

The proclamation directs state agencies and departments to use state resources to help communities respond to and recover from the event.

Locke's proclamation allows the state to ask for Federal Highway Administration aid to repair flood-damaged roads. These federal funds permit the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and affected counties to waive normal bidding procedures and open projects for bid immediately.

According to WSDOT, the greatest damage appears to be to roads around Republic in Ferry County. The agency estimated it may take two months and $2 million to repair State Route 20 over Sherman Pass.

The State Emergency Operations Center, which was activated May 27, will continue to coordinate emergency state support to the northeast Washington counties. Earlier today, the State Emergency Management Division of the Washington Military Department sent an emergency management team to help the counties assess damages and determine their flood recovery needs.

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