Executive Order 19-03

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

Executive Order Continuing the Montana Homeland Security Taskforce

WHEREAS, recent terrorist events in New York City, the State of Pennsylvania and the Washington D.C. area, as well as recent events involving the release of and exposure to anthrax virus, have demonstrated the clear need to maintain a high degree of vigilance and readiness throughout the Nation;

WHEREAS, the uncertain potential of possible terrorist attacks in other areas of the country and Montana has heightened the need to focus and expedite planning activities related to the detection of, preparation for, prevention of, protection against, response to, and recovery from terrorist threat or attack;

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has now established an Office of Homeland Security within the Executive Office of the President, the specific purpose of which is to coordinate efforts to detect, prepare for, prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks within the United States;

WHEREAS, the coordination of a comprehensive statewide strategy to plan and prepare for the specific occurrence of terrorist threat or attack here in Montana is in the best interests of the citizens of Montana;

WHEREAS, that coordination will involve communication and cooperation with a wide range of federal, state, local, tribal and private agencies, including but not limited to the new U.S. Office of Homeland Security;

WHEREAS, the Disaster and Emergency Services Division, Department of Military Affairs (DES) is presently responsible for the preparation and maintenance of a comprehensive plan and program for disaster and emergency services in Montana;

WHEREAS, DES has already developed a strong framework of relationships and coordination with the federal, state, local, tribal and private agencies and organizations that must be involved in the development of any comprehensive statewide strategy and is well-positioned to maximize the effectiveness of those existing relationships in expediting the development of a statewide strategy regarding terrorist threats or attacks.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor under the Constitution and laws of the State of Montana, do hereby continue the Montana Homeland Security Task Force and designate DES as lead agency, with their respective functions as set forth below.

I.          FUNCTIONS

With DES as lead agency, the Task Force shall coordinate the following:

1.         the development of clear lines of communication and protocol for working with the U.S. Office of Homeland Security, the Anti-Terrorism Task Force as formed by the U.S. Department of Justice; and all other relevant federal, state, local, tribal and private agencies and organizations; and

2.         the development and implementation of a comprehensive statewide strategy to strengthen Montana's capabilities to detect, prepare for, prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from any terrorist threats or attacks within the state.

In fulfilling its functions, the Task Force shall serve as a collection point for ideas and issues relevant to the object of the strategy development, shall identify further planning requirements and resource needs and shall develop recommendations for improving Montana's capabilities as outlined above.  As lead agency, DES shall endeavor to maximize, concentrate and focus the existing relationships and resources at its disposal, including but not limited to the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), in support of the functions of the Task Force as outlined above.

II.          COMPOSITION

The Task Force shall be composed of the DES Administrator as Chairperson, such additional members of SERC as may be designated by the Chairperson, the Chief Information Officer/Department of Administration, the Administrator of the Division of Criminal Investigation /Department of Justice, the Adjutant General or his/her designee, the Public Health Disaster Coordinator/Department of Public Health and Human Services and any such other members as the Chairperson, in his/her discretion, may designate.

III.         DURATION

This Task Force shall remain in existence for one year from the date of this Order unless extended or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.

This order is effective immediately.