GOV. RITTER ISSUES EMERGENCY DECLARATION

Gov. Bill Ritter has issued a disaster declaration due to today’s blizzard, activating the National Guard to assist with rescue operations and authorizing up to $200,000 in state funds for emergency assistance.

“Our first and foremost concern is the health, safety and welfare of Colorado ’s citizens,” Gov. Ritter said. “We have activated the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor conditions, coordinate the state’s resources and respond as needed. We are also asking residents to limit their travel and encourage employers to consider releasing employees in a phased manner to alleviate heavy traffic this afternoon.”

Here is the text of Executive Order D 005 09, “Declaring a Disaster Emergency Due to a Severe Blizzard”:

Pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor of the State of Colorado and, in particular, pursuant to relevant portions of the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act, §§ 24-32-2100, et seq., C.R.S. I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado , issue this Executive Order declaring a state of disaster emergency due to a severe blizzard.