Executive Order 05-03

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER PROCLAIMING A DISASTER TO EXIST IN ROOSEVELT COUNTY, MONTANA

WHEREAS, on March 16 through 19, 2003, heavy rain fell onto existing heavy snow pack and frozen ground, causing the rapid rise of water in the Sheep Creek, Little Muddy, Shotgun Creek and other drainages which led to the widespread flooding of lowland areas of Roosevelt County; and

WHEREAS, the floodwaters caused damage to an estimated 80 sites on the county road system, including 15 to 20 sites with major damage to culverts, low water crossings and bridges; and

WHEREAS, the damaged roads, bridges and low water crossings pose an immediate threat to the welfare and safety of the citizens and to agriculture and oilfield operations in Roosevelt County, that will have an adverse impact on the local economy if not repaired in an expeditious manner; and

WHEREAS, Roosevelt County has committed all available resources and has taken all possible actions to respond to, mitigate and alleviate the situation, and that local resources are not sufficient to resolve these conditions; and

WHEREAS, the Roosevelt County commissioners have declared a disaster, exhausted all available emergency funds and have appropriated emergency funding in an amount equivalent to the two mill emergency levy, pursuant to section 10-3-405, MCA, to respond in the aftermath of the flooding; and

WHEREAS, a proclamation of a disaster authorizes the Governor under Section 10-3-311, MCA, to expend funds from the general fund to meet contingencies and needs arising from these conditions.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor under the Constitution of the State of Montana and Title 10, Chapter 3, MCA, and under other applicable statutes, do hereby declare a disaster to exist in Roosevelt County.

This Order is effective March 16, 2003.