WHEREAS, the State of West Virginia has been besieged by heavy rain resulting in massive flooding and has requested assistance from the State of South Carolina under the terms of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, as provided in Section 25-9-420 of the South Carolina Code of Laws; and

WHEREAS, West Virginia civil authorities have specifically requested the support of South Carolina National Guard to assist in the flood fighting and debris removal as a result of this disaster; and

WHEREAS, the South Carolina National Guard are prepared to provide the personnel and equipment necessary to assist the impacted area.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of South Carolina, I hereby direct the Adjutant General to place on state duty and utilize the South Carolina National Guard personnel and equipment, as he deems necessary, to fulfill the mission in support of the State of West Virginia during this time of emergency. National Guard personnel and equipment deployment and mission requirements should be coordinated through the Emergency Preparedness Division in accordance with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. This Executive Order is retroactive to July 15, 2001.