A PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS on July 13, 2013, a vehicle accident involving a tanker truck loaded with gasoline occurred in Los Angeles County within the interchange of Interstate 5 with State Route 2, resulting in intense fire, heat and damage to portions of the multi-level interchange structure; and
WHEREAS this event caused closure of Interstate 5 and State Route 2, traffic congestion, impact to the local and statewide economy, threats to public safety, and impaired movement of goods and services; and
WHEREAS this event required the coordination of multiple state and local agencies to put out the fire and prevent damage to surrounding wetlands, and requires the continued participation of those agencies to stabilize the overpass, repair the damage to the interchange, and mitigate ongoing traffic congestion;
WHEREAS the circumstances of this situation, by reason of their magnitude, are beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of any single city or county and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and
WHEREAS conditions of extreme peril to public health and safety of persons and property exists within Los Angeles County caused by the effects of this vehicle accident on July 13, 2013; and
WHEREAS under the provision of section 8558(b) of the California Government Code, I find that conditions of extreme peril exist due to these events.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statues, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, section 8625 of the California Government Code, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist within Los Angeles County.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: All agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan.
I FURTHER DIRECT THAT: The California Department of Transportation formally request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program, 23 U.S.C. Section 125, in order to obtain federal assistance for critical highway repairs or reconstruction in the County of Los Angeles.
I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this proclamation be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 20th day of August, 2013.