Feb. 1, 2008

King County issues emergency proclamation to help residents

Opens door for rapid response to heavy snowfall

King County, WA - King County Executive Ron Sims has issued an emergency proclamation to enable county departments to respond even more quickly to the ongoing heavy snowfall in the Skykomish area. The proclamation allows departments to waive normal contracting procedures and budgetary limits to speed up assistance.

"We will use all of the county's available resources to ensure that residents continue to get the services and help they need during this weather emergency," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "This proclamation allows our crews to do just that."

Heavy snow caused the collapse of a roof at King County Solid Waste Division's Skykomish disposal site Thursday afternoon, forcing the indefinite closure of the Skykomish Drop Box.

Customers can use Snohomish County's Sultan Drop Box at 33014 Cascade View Drive in Sultan, which is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

King County Roads Division crews are working in the Skykomish area clearing county roads of snow.

Updated information on King County's ongoing response can be found at the King County home page, www.kingcounty.gov, and at the Regional Public Information Network, www.RPIN.org.