Henry Declares Ice Emergency

Associated Press - January 26, 2009 2:55 PM ET

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Brad Henry has declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties in Oklahoma. The move paves the way for seeking federal assistance from ice storm damage.

A winter storm blanketed much of the state with ice on Monday creating slick roads and jeopardizing the state's electrical grids.

Henry says the executive order marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. It also allows state agencies to make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite storm response.

Henry also issued a 30-day waiver on permit requirements for use of overweight and oversized vehicles to help utility crews handle storm-related repairs.

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