EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
March 20, 2020
WHEREAS, on March 20, 2020, the existence of a catastrophic health emergency caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) occurred in Doddridge County, West Virginia; and
WHEREAS, this situation has caused considerable hardship for the citizens of Doddridge County; and
WHEREAS, local government has the responsibility to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and to mitigate the effects of such events.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ronald L. Travis, President, Doddridge County Commission is issuing the Executive Order, by the authority vested in me by WV State Code Section 15-5-1 and WV State Code Section 15-5-8, do hereby declare a LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY exists in Doddridge County for the period starting today, March 20, 2020 until further notice, and direct that:
1.The local Emergency Operations Plan, as approved by the Doddridge County Commission, shall be fully executed to direct all local disaster and emergency response forces and operations in Doddridge County.
2. The Director of Doddridge County Office of Emergency Services under authorities provided in WV State Code Section 15-5-8, the local Emergency Operations Plan, and local orders or ordinances shall take immediate actions to protect public safety and direct the provision of such assistance as can be delivered from available local resources and shall coordinate the response of all local agencies that provide assistance in Doddridge County.
3. All agencies in Doddridge County shall cooperate to the fullest extent with the Director for Doddridge County Office of Emergency Services and should provide such assistance as may be requested or required for response to this emergency.
4. Under this State of Emergency, as provide in WV State Code Section 15-5, the county commission can waive procedures and formalities otherwise required by the law pertaining to:
a. Performance of public work;
b. Entering into contracts;
c. Incurring obligations;
d. Employment of permanent or temporary workers;
e. Utilization of volunteer workers;
f. Rental of equipment;
g. Purchase and distribution of supplies, materials, and facilities;
h. Appropriation and expenditures of public funds; and
i. The demolition and removal of damaged public and private structures.