Louisiana State of Emergency 194JBE2022 (Extreme Cold and Prolonged Freeze)

STATE OF LOUISIANA
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
PROCLAMATION NUMBER 194 JBE 2022

STATE OF EMERGENCY-EXTREME COLD AND PROLONGED FREEZE

WHEREAS,  the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, La.
R.S. 29:721, et seq.. confers upon the Governor of the State of Louisiana emergency powers to deal with emergencies and disasters. including those caused by fire, flood, earthquake or other natural or manmade causes, in order to ensure that preparations of this State will be adequate to deal with such emergencies or disasters and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State of Louisiana;

WHEREAS, when the Governor determines that a disaster or emergency has occurred, or the threat thereof is imminent, La. R.S. 29:724(8)(1) empowers him to declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation. or both;

WHEREAS, the National Weather Service indicated the potential for extreme cold and prolonged freeze along with dangerous wind chills from an arctic blast moving across Louisiana with impacts from Thursday, December 22, 2022 and continuing through Monday, December 26, 2022;

WHEREAS, throughout the state, temperatures are expected to fall into the teens to mid-20s for extended periods of time;

WHEREAS, locations along and north of the 1-10/12 corridor is expected to experience more than 60 hours of freezing conditions through Tuesday morning, with southern locations of the State seeing anywhere from 20 to almost 60 hours of freezing conditions;

WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana could potentially experience significant damage to unprotected pipes and water systems, as well as citrus and other sensitive agricultural crops threatening the safety, health, and security of the citizens of the State of Louisiana, along with potential damage to private property and public facilities;

WHEREAS, because of the extreme and prolonged temperatures. Allen and DeSoto Parishes have requested pallets of water in addition to survivors of the December 13. 2022 tornadoes in Union Parish being transferred from recreational units into hotel rooms for the weekend;

WHEREAS, there are currently nine water systems without water affecting 13,556 customers and 22 water systems are under a boil water advisory affecting 45,189 customers; and

WHEREAS, the State anticipates that other parishes will declare states of emergency, and may be in need of assistance to response to this developing threat.

NOW THEREFORE, I, JOHN BEL EDWARDS, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana. do hereby order and direct as follows:
 
SECTION 1: Pursuant to the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, La. R.S. 29:721. el seq.. a state of emergency is hereby declared to exist in the State of Louisiana as a result of the imminent threat of emergency conditions that threaten the lives and property of the citizens of the State.

SECTION 2: The Director of the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) is hereby authorized to undertake any activity authorized by law which he deems appropriate in response to this declaration.

SECTION 3: Pursuant to La. R.S. 29:732. during a declared state of emergency, the prices charged or value received for goods and services sold within the designated emergency area may not exceed the prices ordinarily charged for comparable goods and services in the same market area at or immediately before the time of the state of emergency, unless the price by the seller is attributable to fluctuations in applicable commodity markets, fluctuations in applicable regional or national market trends, or to reasonable expenses and charges and attendant business risk incurred in procuring or selling the goods or services during the state of emergency.

SECTION 4: Pursuant to La. R.S. 29:724(0)( 1), the Louisiana Procurement Code (La. R.S. 39:1551. et seq.) and Louisiana Public Bid Law (La. R.S. 38:2211. el seq.) and their corresponding rules and regulations are hereby suspended for the purpose of the procurement of any good or services necessary to respond to this emergency, including emergency contracts, cooperative endeavor agreements. and any other emergency amendments to existing contracts.

SECTION 5: All departments, commissions, boards, agencies and officers of the State, or any political subdivision thereof. are authorized and directed to cooperate in actions the State may take in response to the effects of this severe weather event.

SECTION 6: This order is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect from Thursday, December 22. 2022 to Friday, January 20. 2023, unless terminated sooner.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana in the City of Baton Rouge, on this 24th day of December, 2022.

John Bel Edwards
GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA

ATTEST BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE
SECRETARY OF STATE