| Date: | 05/31/1984 |
|---|---|
| Issuer: | Michael S. Dukakis |
| Mass Register: | No. 419 |
Table of Contents
WHEREAS, a major rain storm has been in progress in Massachusetts since May 28, 1984, resulting in a reported total of twenty (20) inches of rain with flood stage in some rivers expected to exceed any encountered since 1955, and
WHEREAS, at least ten (10) cities and towns have already declared local a state of emergency and many others are operating under emergency conditions, and
WHEREAS, two dams have already failed and several others are threatened, and
WHEREAS, an estimated 3,500 people have been evacuated due to flooding, and
WHEREAS, it appears that losses to agriculture have exceeded twenty million dollars in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties, and
WHEREAS, the estimated loss to highways, bridges, sewage treatment plants, and other public facilities is expected to exceed ten million dollars, and
WHEREAS, the loss to homes and businesses could exceed public property losses, and
WHEREAS, extraordinary assistance beyond the capability of cities and towns is required to overcome and recover from the present and projected losses caused thereby,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael S. Dukakis, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 33, appendix, and Chapter 639, of the Acts of 1950, as amended and by virtue of the authority vested in me as Supreme Executive Magistrate, do hereby declare that a state of emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and authorize all appropriate state agency resources and programs be applied to alleviate the grievous economic, and human suffering as a result of this disaster.
In addition, I will request appropriate assistance from the federal government.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston this 31st day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America two hundred and nine.
Michael S. Dukakis
Governor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Michael Joseph Connolly
Secretary of the Commonwealth