Seal of the State of Nevada

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY

Proclamation Declaring a Flood Emergency

WHEREAS, Churchill, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, and Lyon counties, along with the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe and Walker River Paiute Tribe, have declared a state of emergency due to the impacts of the spring runoff from an unprecedented winter season and snowpack; and

WHEREAS, the spring runoff is also causing flooding, mudslides, and other issues posing significant threats to Douglas, Elko, Storey and Eureka counties; and

WHEREAS, given the seasonal shift and increased temperatures throughout Nevada, the snowpack is melting at an increased pace, overwhelming rivers, and reservoirs; and

WHEREAS, significant runoff still needs to move through the various river systems, with the most recent snowmelt projections estimating an additional seven weeks of impacts; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada's critical infrastructure is being pushed to its capacity, creating concern related to dam integrity, and the resultant impacts on downstream communities, and threat to life and safety; and

WHEREAS, multiple transportation routes have been damaged from flooding, rockslides, and mudslides; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada will require assistance from the Federal Highway Administration on eligible roads and projects which will be identified when damage assessment is completed; and

WHEREAS, additional declarations from counties and tribes are expected in the coming days and weeks; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joe Lombardo, Governor of the State of Nevada, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Nevada, hereby declare a state of emergency issued on May 29, 2023, to include the following direction:

  1. All state agencies shall work through the Nevada Operations Center to supplement the efforts and capabilities of political subdivisions to save lives, protect property, and protect the health and safety of persons in this state, and

  2. The Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security shall work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support local governments, and

  3. The Nevada Department of Transportation shall formally request assistance through the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program, United States Code, Title 23, section 125, in order to obtain federal assistance for highway repairs or reconstruction, as needed, and

  4. Pursuant to NRS 414.060(3)(f), I hereby delegate to Lyon County the authority to compel evacuation of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the County, should it determine that it is necessary or prudent to do so. Additionally, I hereby authorize Lyon County to subdelegate this authority to any county official, department, or agency, as the County deems proper; and

  5. This state of emergency shall exist for 45 days unless terminated sooner if conditions improve.

Footer State Seal

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Nevada to be affixed at the State Capitol in Carson City, this 29th day of May, in the year two thousand twenty-three.

Governor's signature