Executive Order 03-04

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

Executive Order Proclaiming an Emergency to Exist in Petroleum County

WHEREAS, a severe winter blizzard occurred in Petroleum County from December 26 through 27, 2003, and stranded holiday travelers, isolated residents, and created an immediate threat to life and property; and

WHEREAS, the immediate need for snow removal for emergency response was essential to ensure the health, safety and welfare of residents of Petroleum County and stranded motorists within the county; and

WHEREAS, all available county equipment and road personnel were committed in the snowplowing efforts, and the county contracted with private citizens to provided equipment in support of the life safety missions in Petroleum County; and

WHEREAS, the magnitude of the snowstorm and subsequent snowstorms have created the need for continuing snow removal operations to open roads for life-safety needs, school bus/mail routes, and provide access for life-essential items such as propane, water and groceries for residents; and

WHEREAS, the known costs of snow removal operations has exceeded the county=s financial capabilities, and on January 14th, 2004, the Petroleum 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 snowstorm; and

WHEREAS, the availability and utilization of all necessary state government services, equipment and supplies under this proclamation will further the efforts to protect health and safety and to preserve the lives, property and resources of the people of the State of Montana; and

WHEREAS, a proclamation of an emergency 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, Title 10, Chapter 3, MCA, and under other applicable statutes, do hereby declare that an emergency exists in Petroleum County of the State of Montana.

This Order is effective immediately.

	GIVEN under my hand and the GREAT SEAL of the State of Montana, this ___ day of __________, 2004. JUDY MARTZ, Governor
ATTEST: BOB BROWN, Secretary of State