The Latest News
State of
Oklahoma
State Capitol Building
Oklahoma City OK 73105
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 3, 2007
In
Wake of Panhandle Snowstorm, Gov. Henry Expands
Emergency Order to Include Cimarron, Beaver Counties
Oklahoma City
-- In the wake of a devastating snowstorm last week that crippled parts of
the Oklahoma Panhandle, Gov. Brad Henry said the state continues to make
significant headway bringing relief to the impacted counties.
The Governor today amended a
previous State of Emergency declaration to include Cimarron County and
Beaver County. The change extends an emergency order that Gov. Henry had
issued for Texas County on Dec. 21, 2006.
The declaration makes it
easier for local governments to seek reimbursement for recovery costs
through the state’s public assistance program.
The Governor noted that
recovery efforts have involved the Oklahoma Department of Emergency
Management; National Guard; Department of Transportation; Highway Patrol;
and Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
“Many people in both the
public and private sectors have been working tirelessly and around the
clock to help the Panhandle recover from a massive storm that dumped about
four feet of snowfall,” Gov. Henry said. “There is more work to be done,
but I am grateful for the substantial progress that has been made.
Because huge snow drifts are
preventing many farmers in the area from being able to get hay to stranded
cattle, an incident command team of the Agriculture Department is in the
Panhandle to finalize how best to proceed with a hay airdrop. Gov. Henry
directed Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach to personally oversee the
work of the incident command team.
There are an estimated
380,000 head of cattle in Cimarron and Texas counties.
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s
Association has established a Panhandle Ranch Rescue Fund to help purchase
hay and feed for beleaguered farmers and ranchers. People who want to
contribute to the fund can send their donation to the following:
Panhandle Ranch Rescue Effort
Oklahoma Cattlemen's
Association
2500 Exchange Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
Public safety also remains a
top priority as the Panhandle digs out from under the snow. Since Jan. 1,
Oklahoma National Guard personnel have conducted welfare checks on
residents who have been without power.