THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133

By His Excellency

MICHAEL S. DUKAKIS
GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 239

STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO MAJOR RAIN STORM
IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MAY 31, 1984

    WHEREAS, a major rain storm has been in progress in
Massachusetts since May 28, 1984, resulting in a reported total
of twenty (20) inches of rain with flood stage in some rivers
expected to exceed any encountered since 1955, and

    WHEREAS, at least ten (10) cities and towns have already
declared local a state of emergency and many others are operat-
ing under emergency conditions, and

    WHEREAS, two dams have already failed and several others
are threatened, and

    WHEREAS, an estimated 3,500 people have been evacuated
due to flooding, and

    WHEREAS, it appears that losses to agriculture have ex-
ceeded twenty million dollars in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden
and Hampshire Counties, and

    WHEREAS, the estimated loss to highways, bridges, sewage
treatment plants, and other public facilities is expected to
exceed ten million dollars, and

    WHEREAS, the loss to homes and businesses could exceed
public property losses, and

    WHEREAS, extraordinary assistance beyond the capability
of cities and towns is required to overcome and recover from
the present and projected losses caused thereby,

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael S. Dukakis, Governor of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting under the provisions of
M.G.L. Chapter 33, appendix, and Chapter 639, of the Acts of
1950, as amended and by virtue of the authority vested in me as
Supreme Executive Magistrate, do hereby declare that a state of
emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
authorize all appropriate state agency resources and programs
be applied to alleviate the grievous economic, and human
suffering as a result of this disaster.

    In addition, I will request appropriate assistance from
the federal government.

Given at the Executive Chamber in
Boston this 31st day of May in the
year of our Lord one thousand nine
hundred and eighty-four, and of 
the Independence of the United
States of America two hundred and
nine.

MICHAEL S. DUKAKIS
GOVERNOR
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY
SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH

GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS