Declaring a State of Emergency Due to Drought, Utah Exec, Order No. 2018-9

This document was published in the November 15, 2018, issue (Vol. 2018, No. 22) of the Utah State Bulletin.

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Governor, Administration: Declaring a State of Emergency Due to Drought, Utah Exec, Order No. 2018-9

Issued: October 15, 2018

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EXECUTIVE ORDER

Declaring a State of Emergency Due to Drought

WHEREAS, the State of Utah has experienced an exceptionally dry growing season in 2018;

WHEREAS, the State’s previous winter snowpack--which was only 50-60% of normal across most of the state--melted several months early, leading to a deficit in water storage supply;

WHEREAS, several counties in Utah--including Box Elder, Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan, and Wayne--have declared local states of emergency as a result of extreme drought conditions;

WHEREAS, of the State's 29 counties, the United States Department of Agriculture currently has listed 26 Primary and 3 Contiguous counties under the Secretarial Disaster Designation for drought;

WHEREAS, these extreme drought conditions have adversely and significantly impacted agribusiness and livestock production, as well as wildlife and natural habitats;

WHEREAS, record low water levels and prolonged dry conditions have contributed to a formidable wildfire season, and continue to increase the threat of wildfires across the state;

WHEREAS, conditions due to drought remain that require mitigation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary R. Herbert, Governor of Utah, pursuant to the power vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of Utah, do hereby order that:

It is found, determined, and declared that a "State of Emergency" exists statewide due to drought conditions requiring the aid, assistance, and relief available pursuant to the provisions of state statutes and the State Emergency Operations Plan, which is hereby activated. This State of Emergency is declared and effective immediately and shall remain in effect until I find that the threat or danger has passed or the disaster reduced to the extent that emergency conditions no longer exist.

IN TESTIMONY, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Utah this 15th day of October 2018.

(State Seal)

Gary R. Herbert
Governor

Attest:

Spencer J. Cox
Lieutenant Governor

2018/009/EO