Gov. Spencer Cox has issued an executive order providing an optional eight hours of administrative leave for all state employees of executive branch agencies to support community flood responses.
Utah has experienced high levels of precipitation this winter season, leading to snowpack levels exceeding 150% in most of the state. The increased water will help with the state’s ongoing drought, but precipitation is already causing flooding and creating flood risks.
“With the weather warming up, flooding is a major disaster concern in Utah. We’re experiencing record-breaking snowpack levels and we want to be prepared for what spring could have in store,” Gov. Cox said. “Utah’s state employees are community-minded and we know many will want to support their local emergency response teams for the common good.”
Flood risks may persist throughout the upcoming months as snow melts and as Utah receives additional precipitation. In addition to the executive order, the Governor’s Office, Department of Public Safety and Division of Emergency Management have been working closely with city and county officials to make sure emergency plans are in place.
Additional flood information is available at beready.utah.gov and floodfacts.utah.gov.
Executive Order 2023-03 is effective immediately and will expire on Aug. 31, 2023.
