Executive Order 08-04

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

Executive Order Proclaiming an Emergency to Exist in the Below Mentioned Jurisdictions in Montana

WHEREAS, continuous severe winter storms and blizzards have occurred in Northeastern Montana from December 26, 2003, through February 29, 2004 and these storms have 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 and stranded motorists; and

WHEREAS, all available city and county equipment and personnel were committed in the snowplowing and snow removal efforts, and some jurisdictions have contracted with private citizens to provided equipment in support of the life safety missions; and

WHEREAS, the magnitude of the ongoing winter storms and blizzards created continuing snow removal operations from December 26, 2003, through February 29, 2004, 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 plowing and snow removal operations has exceeded the effected jurisdictions financial capabilities, they have declared emergencies or disasters, 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 winter storms and blizzards; and

WHEREAS, the availability of state financial assistance under this proclamation will protect public 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 following jurisdictions: Daniels, Garfield, Richland, Roosevelt and Sheridan Counties and the Cities or Towns of Culbertson, Flaxville, Fort Peck, Froid, Glasgow, Jordan, Medicine Lake, Nashua, Opheim, Scobey, Sidney, and Wolf Point in the State of Montana.

This Order is effective immediately.