Inslee issues emergency drought declaration, other proclamations tied to extreme heat, firefighting

||| FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE |||

Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the state Department of Ecology to issue an emergency drought declaration for most of the state Wednesday.

A historically dry spring and summer, followed by a record-breaking heat wave, have affected water supplies across Washington. The only areas excluded from the emergency declaration are Seattle, Tacoma and Everett.

A drought emergency means water supply is projected to be below 75% of average, and there is a risk of undue hardship to water users and uses. A formal drought declaration authorizes Ecology to take certain measures for the purpose of providing emergency drought relief:

• Expedite processing for emergency drought permits
• Process temporary transfers of water rights
• Provide funding assistance for public entities
• Hold public education workshops

The governor also amended the state’s partial burn ban to now also suspend the statutory truck driver hour limitations, to address the interruption in fuel distribution to firefighters. It will also allow the National and State Guard to assist firefighters. The governor also declared an emergency in 18 counties due to heat damage to roads and infrastructure. This will trigger Comprehensive Emergency Management Plans and allow for local coordination to assist in addressing the damage in an expedited manner.

The impacts of the drought and extreme heat have been worsened by climate change, according to researchers.

“Our state and its 7.6 million residents are under attack from climate change; it touches every part of our lives right now. It is menacing our world and our way of life in ways that demand and compel our full attention right now,” Inslee said. “It’s a wave that is breaking on us right now and that’s why you could easily call this the summer of climate change.

Inslee announces $1 million COVID vaccine lottery winner

Gov. Inslee announced the winner of the state’s $1 million grand prize in the month-long vaccine lottery program on Friday. The winner was Kameron M., a mechanic in his 20s from south King County.

Kameron was joined by his partner and parents at the announcement in the governor’s conference room. Kameron said he chose to get vaccinated because his gut told him it was the right thing to do for himself and his family.

“I hope his story inspires more young people to get vaccinated and to talk to their friends and family about getting vaccinated as well,” Inslee said.

Kameron’s grand prize follows the four $250,000 winners announced previously: Dillon T. from the Yakima area; Lance R. from Whatcom County; nursing student Marissa P. from the Spokane area; Stephen T. from Walla Walla.

They’re just some of the more than 70% of Washingtonians over 16 who have at least initiated their vaccination.

“Not everybody is going to get a million dollars for being vaccinated,” Inslee said, “but each vaccination still comes with a ‘shot of a lifetime,’ because you’re still saving your life, and the lives that make up your community, from COVID.”

Inslee visits Clark County with eye on economic development

Gov. Jay Inslee visited Washougal and Vancouver on Tuesday to tour economic development projects on the Columbia waterfront and hear from business owners about recovery from the pandemic.

Inslee met with more than a dozen business owners in Vancouver to hear how the COVID-19 pandemic affected them and what still needs to be done to recovery from its impacts going forward.

Port of Camas-Washougal waterfront and trail

Inslee also toured Vancouver’s Waterfront Park and the Port of Camas-Washougal waterfront and trail.

In Washougal, Inslee toured the Port of Camas-Washougal project that includes a recently developed park and trail system, as well as future construction of mixed-use buildings for residential and retail space.

“We’re seeing a whole new type of community developed along the Columbia River,” Inslee said in an interview with KOIN 6 TV. “And to see this asset which is so beautiful and so economically productive to be used by marrying a little state money, private money, some action by the port — it’s just a thrill.”

Inslee tours Moses Lake Thursday

REC Silicon and Group14 Technologies

Gov. Jay Inslee focused on homelessness and economic development in his visit to Moses Lake Thursday.

Inslee toured REC Silicon and Group14 Technologies’ facilities in Moses Lake. The company develops components for silicon-based rechargeable batteries.

“I am so glad to have these leaders diversifying our energy production, combating climate change & reducing our carbon emissions,” Inslee said in a tweet.

Moses Lake Open Doors Sleep Center

The governor also toured the Moses Lake Open Doors Sleep Center, a shelter that emphasizes privacy for those using the facilities, and held a roundtable with local leaders about how they’re dealing with the homelessness crisis regionally.

Local leaders are considering expanding the sleep center model to offer more housing and to centralize community services for people experiencing homelessness.