EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
PROCLAMATION NUMBER 104 JBE 2017

STATE OF EMERGENCY- TROPICAL STROM HARVEY

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, 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(B)(1) empowers the Governor to declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation, or both;

WHEREAS, Tropical Stoma Harvey and is predicted soon to reach hurricane strength and to drop 10 to 15 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts of 20 inches possible in southwest Louisiana, and 7 to 10 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts of 15 inches, possible for central Louisiana and south central Louisiana, which could result in significant flooding across the regions, as well risk of storm surge; and

WHEREAS, Calcasieu and Cameron parishes have declared and several other parishes are in the process of declaring states of emergency to assist residents in areas that may be impacted by the severe weather.

NOW THEREFORE, I , JOHN BEL EDWARD, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by 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 et seq., a state of emergency is hereby declared to exist statewide as the threat of a disaster is imminent and said severe weather is a threat to 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 is hereby authorized to undertake any activity authorized by law which he deems appropriate in response to this declaration.

SECTION 3: 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 4: This order is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect from Thursday, August 24, 2017 until Friday, September 22, 2017 unless terminated sooner.

GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA