WHEREAS, Hurricane Katrina, a disaster in sister states, created an emergency disaster and emergency conditions for the people in the State of Texas beginning September 1, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Hurricane Rita struck the State of Texas on September 24, 2005, causing massive destruction in South and East Texas; and

WHEREAS, Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams, in his role as leading the state's long-term relief efforts in regards to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, requested that I issue an executive order to further aid in the disaster recovery effort in order to continue to address the emergency conditions created by the disasters; and

WHEREAS, I did issue Executive Order No. 54 on January 10, 2006, relating to disaster recovery; and

WHEREAS, I do hereby certify that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita continue to create an emergency disaster and emergency conditions for the people in the State of Texas; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, the governor is responsible for meeting the dangers to the state and people presented by disasters; and

WHEREAS, under Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code, the governor is expressly authorized to issue executive orders declaring a state of disaster;

NOW THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby renew Executive Order No. 54 and declare a state of disaster for purposes of disaster recovery and response and direct that all necessary measures, both public and private as authorized under Section 418.015 of the Texas Government Code, be implemented to meet the disaster.

As provided in Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, all rules and regulations that may inhibit or prevent prompt response to this threat are suspended for the duration of the incident.

FURTHER, I hereby order that all actions taken pursuant to this executive order shall be preauthorized by the State Director of Homeland Security.

This executive order supersedes all previous orders in conflict or inconsistent with its terms and shall remain in effect and in full force until it expires by statute or it is modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by me or by a succeeding Governor.

Given under my hand this the 9th day of February, 2006.

Rick Perry, Governor

TRD-200600912