Executive Order Number Seventy-Two Declaring A State Of Emergency Due To Hurricane Katrina And Its Aftermath

WHEREAS, Hurricane Katrina has caused considerable human suffering and extensive damage in the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to authority granted by Chapter 31, Title 20 of the Delaware Code, Delaware has entered into reciprocal aid agreements with each of the affected states, including the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, codified in Chapter 34, Title 20 of the Delaware Code; and

WHEREAS, a significant number of citizens living in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi have been displaced and require short and long-term recovery assistance; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware has offered to coordinate housing, health and other services to aid persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina; and

WHEREAS, at the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, individuals and families displaced by Hurricane Katrina may be relocated to Delaware in order to meet their recovery needs; and

WHEREAS, in addition to displaced persons who may be relocated to the State of Delaware through a government-organized process, a number of individuals and families displaced by Hurricane Katrina have relocated, or will relocate, to Delaware and surrounding areas, and such persons may need critical recovery assistance; and

WHEREAS, many State and local agencies, as well as private non-profit organizations in Delaware are working together to address the needs of these displaced citizens; and

WHEREAS, in order to coordinate responses with the federal authorities and to ensure that federal resources will be available to assist displaced persons to the maximum extent possible, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has recommended that states involved with recovery efforts for displaced persons implement emergency management practices to arrange response and recovery efforts in aid of such displaced persons; and

WHEREAS, as a result of this crisis and pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor by virtue of Chapter 31, Title 20 of the Delaware Code, as amended, it is necessary to promulgate reasonable orders to protect the public health, safety and welfare,

NOW THEREFORE, I, Ruth Ann Minner, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware do hereby declare and proclaim a State of Emergency for the entire State of Delaware, effective August 29, 2005. By virtue of this State of Emergency, I direct and authorize that:

1. All resources of the State of Delaware shall be made available to assist in the reception and care of evacuees from the affected states.

2. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency shall work in cooperation with the President of the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, State and local agencies, and private non-profit organizations to coordinate activities to provide for the needs of evacuated citizens from the affected states.

APPROVED: September 20, 2005