PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS beginning on February 6, 2015, a series of rainstorms swept across California, bringing high winds, substantial precipitation, and flooding; and
WHEREAS these storms caused damage to bridges, roads, and highways throughout the state as a result of mudflows, debris, floods, and erosion; and
WHEREAS the damage caused by this series of storms severely impacted the counties of Humboldt, Mendocino, and Siskiyou; and
WHEREAS the interstate highways and bridges in these counties sustained significant damages that these counties will not be able to repair absent financial assistance for repair and restoration under the Emergency Relief Program of the Federal Highway Administration; and
WHEREAS the circumstances of the storm damage, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and
WHEREAS under the provisions of section 8558(b) of the California Government Code, I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist due to the storm damage in the counties of Humboldt, Mendocino, and Siskiyou.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the state Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the California Government Code, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist within the counties of Humboldt, Mendocino, and Siskiyou.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
1. Caltrans shall formally request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, Title 23, United States Code section 125, in order to obtain federal assistance for highway repairs or reconstruction in the counties of Humboldt, Mendocino, and Siskiyou.
2. All agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities related to this state of emergency consistent with the direction of my Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan.
I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 19th day of May 2015.
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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California
ATTEST:
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ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State