WHEREAS, beginning on February 2, 2007, and continuing thereafter, severe lake-effect snows have disrupted vital public transportation, public health, and public safety systems in Oswego County and contiguous areas; and

WHEREAS, this event has resulted in personal hardships, hampered the movement of medical personnel, and stranded motorists and travelers, and continues to pose a threat to public health and safety;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ELIOT SPITZER, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New York, do hereby find that a disaster has occurred for which the affected local governments are unable to respond adequately, and pursuant to Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, do hereby declare a State Disaster Emergency within Oswego County and contiguous areas; and

FURTHER, pursuant to Section 29 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, I direct the implementation of the State Disaster Preparedness Plan and authorize all necessary State agencies to take appropriate action to assist affected local governments and individuals in responding to and recovering from this disaster, to protect state and local property, and to provide such other assistance as is necessary to protect public health and safety.