EXECUTIVE ORDER

Declaring a State of Emergency from Winter Storms and Flooding in Washington County

WHEREAS, beginning on or about January 10, 2005, and continuing, severe winter storms, flash flooding and heavy snow in the watershed have caused flooding along all drainage systems in Washington County, Utah;

WHEREAS, the peak flows on these rivers is at or near their historical highs;

WHEREAS, these floods have caused severe damage to private residences, public roads and bridges, culinary water systems, riverbank erosion and the isolation and evacuation of residents from several communities;

WHEREAS, several area reservoirs are completely full and in danger of overtopping and debris in the river channels is creating a continuing hazard to public safety in Washington County, Utah;

WHEREAS, the flooding threat to the entire southwestern region of the State is continuing;

WHEREAS, immediate attention is necessary to alleviate the situation which threatens the safety, health and welfare of the citizens of Washington County;

WHEREAS, these conditions do create a disaster emergency within the intent of the Disaster Response and Recovery Act of 1981; and

NOW THEREFORE, I, Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Governor of the State of Utah;

DO HEREBY ORDER that a "State of Emergency" exists due to the aforesaid winter storms and flooding in Washington County and that such area is declared to be a disaster requiring aid, assistance and relief available pursuant to the provisions of State statutes, and the State Emergency Operations Plan, which is hereby activated.

IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Utah this 11th day of January, 2005.

(State Seal)

Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.
Governor

ATTEST:

Gary R. Herbert
Lieutenant Governor

2005/0001