Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Signs Disaster Emergency Proclamation

Devastating Ice and Snow Storm Causing Widespread Power Outages

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett this evening signed a disaster emergency proclamation to assist state and local authorities in responding to an ice and snow storm that has damaged infrastructure, slowed travel across much of the state and caused widespread power outages.

"At the height of this storm, nearly 849,000 customers were without power in Pennsylvania," Governor Corbett said. "This will be a days-long recovery process, and we're utilizing this disaster declaration to speed up state assistance to all affected parts of the state."

The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel, as necessary, to cope with the magnitude and severity of this emergency situation. The time-consuming bid and contract procedures, as well as other formalities normally prescribed by law, are waived for the duration of the proclamation.

The State Emergency Operations Center, located at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency headquarters outside Harrisburg, is staffed by personnel from multiple state agencies.

It is important to note that the proclamation does not restrict vehicular travel on commonwealth roads, but motorists are encouraged to delay unnecessary travel and heed local road closures that may be in place.

Text of the Governor's disaster emergency proclamation is available online at www.pema.state.pa.us/declarations.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor