A Proclamation

WHEREAS, the entire State Of Mississippi was severely affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita beginning on August 27, 2005, with hurricane and tropical storm force winds, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding; and

WHEREAS, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused personal injuries, complete devastation to homes, businesses, and public property, and threatened the safety of the citizens and property throughout the entire State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in consideration of the health and safety of the residents and the protection of their property within the affected areas, and in the public interest, all steps should be taken to protect people and property:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Haley Barbour, Governor of the State of Mississippi, pursuant to the authority vested in me under the Constitution of the State of Mississippi and Section 33-15-11-(b) (17), Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, and in the public interest of and for the general welfare, do hereby proclaim a State of Emergency to exist in the areas of the State of Mississippi affected by this tropical severe weather system. The provisions of this proclamation shall exist and remain in effect until such time as this threat to public safety shall cease to exist as prescribed in Section 33-15-11(b)(17), Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended.

FURTHER, all agencies of the State of Mississippi shall discharge their emergency responsibilities as deemed necessary as set forth in the State of Mississippi Emergency Operations Plan and Executive Order No. 653, dated November 16, 1990.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi to be affixed.

DONE in the City of Jackson, on the _______ of October in the year of our Lord, two thousand and five, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirtieth.

HALEY BARBOUR
GOVERNOR

BY THE GOVERNOR

ERIC CLARK