Governor Warner Directs Virginia's Efforts to Respond to Hurricane Katrina Effects in Gulf Region

Governor Warner Directs Virginia's Efforts to Respond to Hurricane Katrina Effects in Gulf Region

Governor Mark R. Warner has activated the Virginia Emergency Operations Center to track relief efforts and offers of assistance from Virginia state agencies, other entities, and citizens. To activate the EOC, the Governor declared a limited state of emergency for the specific purpose of activating the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to coordinate multi-state mutual aid. The EOC will be staffed around the clock by representatives from a number of state agencies. The Governor also sent a message through the Virginia Criminal Information Network asking local governments to coordinate their relief efforts through the state EOC.

"Virginians are eager to help in what the President has called one of our nation's worst natural disasters," said Governor Warner. "As you watch the response to this disaster unfold, please consider a charitable donation to a major disaster relief organization (get list here). Additionally, the impact of this disaster on the nation's fuel supply cannot be underestimated. I would ask Virginians to consider voluntary conservation measures as a way to make a difference in this time of national crisis. During our response to Hurricane Isabel, other states were quick to come to our aid, and we will always remember that kindness."

The Governor has directed a series of state agencies and entities to inventory what resources might be deployed without affecting operations and services within the Commonwealth. These specifically include:

* Deploying a Virginia State Police helicopter equipped with a hoist, staffed by two pilots;
* Elevating to standby the Virginia National Guard Red Horse Engineering Battalion, based in Virginia Beach;
* Elevating to standby 36 VDOT "Tiger Teams," which are available to assist in debris clearance and road repair;
* Mobilizing the Virginia Department of Forestry to prepare for possible deployment with personnel, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment.

Additionally, the Commonwealth is assessing its capacity to deploy mental health workers, correctional officers, state troopers, and HAZMAT teams. The Virginia Department of Health is coordinating vaccinations of state response workers. Virginia doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals are being coordinated for deployment through the Department of Health.

Additionally, the Governor has requested that Virginia colleges and universities develop plans to accept students enrolled in hurricane-affected institutions. The Virginia Department of Education has asked local superintendents to prepare for displaced K-12 students who may be relocating to Virginia, in accordance with federal law.

The Department of Housing and Community Development has asked Virginia's manufactured housing industry to increase its production to help provide affordable housing in the Gulf states as soon as possible.

Hurricane relief from the state workforce will be coordinated through a special Hurricane Katrina fund drive to selected charities for monetary donations only. Information on this fund drive will be forthcoming.
Hurricane Impacts on Virginia's Gasoline Supply

Due to electrical outages, pumping stations shut down in Louisiana and Mississippi that service Virginia's two big gasoline suppliers, the Colonial and Plantation pipelines. As of this afternoon, the Colonial pipeline was back online at a limited capacity, greatly improving the Commonwealth's supply outlook.

Governor Warner has exempted the "hours worked" restriction for truck drivers traveling through the Commonwealth to provide essential goods or services, including petroleum and utility repair. He has waived the weight restrictions for heavy equipment traveling through Virginia on emergency response missions, including for petroleum delivery.

Virginia was one of many states asking EPA to waive the requirement for the sale of reformulated gas (which is required during the "ozone" period of April through September) to expand the nation's gas supply. EPA issued that waiver nationwide this afternoon.

No instances of price gouging have yet been reported in Virginia. The Governor has instructed the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to monitor the marketplace. Virginia passed a law in 2004, after Hurricane Isabel, to protect consumers from "price gouging." To take effect, the Governor or President must declare a state of emergency for at least parts of Virginia. The legislation prohibits suppliers from selling, leasing, or licensing necessary goods and services during times of disaster at an unconscionable price. Currently, the gas supply situation does not warrant an emergency declaration.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Aug05/0831b.htm