Executive Order 16-03

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

Executive Order Proclaiming a Disaster to Exist in the State of Montana

WHEREAS, extremely dry conditions and high winds continue to create hazardous fire conditions in identified areas throughout the State of Montana; and

WHEREAS, wildland fires have been and are currently burning and have created an imminent threat of a disaster which timely actions can avert or minimize; and

WHEREAS, these conditions authorize the Governor to mobilize state resources and the Montana National Guard to protect life, health and property and authorize the Governor under sections 10-3-311 and 10-3-312, MCA, to expend funds to meet contingencies and needs arising from the disaster; and

WHEREAS, a proclamation of disaster authorizes the Governor, under section 10-3-104(2)(a), MCA, to suspend section 2-18-501, MCA, to allow reasonable expenditures for food and lodging for activated National Guard and state agency personnel responding to a disaster.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, by virtue of the authority vested in me pursuant to the Montana Constitution, Title 10, Chapter 3, MCA, and under other applicable laws of the State of Montana, do hereby declare that a state of disaster exists in the State of Montana as defined in Sections 10-3-103 and 10-3-303, MCA.

This Executive Order is effective August 7, 2003.