Executive order [Mar. 5, 1999A]

THE STATE OF GEORGIA
EXECUTIVE ORDER

BY THE GOVERNOR:

WHEREAS: In the last half of the twentieth century the rise of computer technology has touched nearly every facet of daily life by creating greater efficiencies and enabling revolutionary changes in many fields of human endeavor; and

WHEREAS:

Georgia recognizes that the physical, social, and financial well-being of the citizens of our state are closely linked to the proper and efficient operation of a myriad of computer technologies, including data processing and embedded processors, which make possible common daily transactions in telecommunications, energy, banking, health, emergency services, food processing and delivery, transportation, and a host of other essential systems; and

WHEREAS: Most computer systems were originally designed to recognize only a two-digit year code and will not properly recognize or process the two-digit code for the year 2000, thus creating errondous data, faulty processing results and malfunctions; and

WHEREAS: Such malfunctions are commonly known as the Year 2000 or "Y2K" problem and can be mitigated or avoided with proper planning, assessment, and appropriate remedial action; ,,and

WHEREAS: It is vital and in the public interest that Georgia ameliorate the effect of the Y2K problem and ensure a smooth transition to the year 2000 of essential public and private systems which rely on computer technology;

WHEREAS: The coordination of efforts of various state agencies and local government groups is critical to the success of efforts to ameliorating the Y2K problem;

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NOW, THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY
ORDERED: That there is established the Georgia Y2K Interagency Task Force which shall:
1. Survey and assess Y2K readiness for mission critical functions including public safety, healthcare, water treatment, electric and gas utilities, telephone and other services deemed essential to the physical, social and financial well-being of the citizens of this state;
2. Coordiite all survey activities by state agencies regarding Y2K so as to eliminate duplication of effort where possible;
3. Advise and assist local governments on development of contingency plans and coordinate those plans with appropriate regional and state authorities;
4. Advise and assist local governments with best practice information for remediation of Y2K problems;
5. Monitor the development of contingency plans; 6. Advise the Governor on a regular basis regarding preparations for the Y2K
problem; 7. Coordinate activities with the Georgia Y2K Citizens Task Force to ensure that
both Task Forces efficiently execute their missions; 8. Obtain the assistance and input of MEAG Power, Municipal Gas Authority of
Georgia, Georgia Rural Water Association, Georgia Water and Pollution Control Association and other groups as appropriate to assist in the efforts of this Task Force; 9. Develop a database of all Y2K readiness information to be made available to the public via the intetnet.

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED: That the'following individuals shall appoint representatives to the task force as *

follows:

,

Commi&oner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs;

Commissioner of the Georgia Department Human Resources;

Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources;

Director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency; Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association; Executive Director of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia; Executive Director of the Georgia Public Service Commission;

B-21-0017-1999

Chancellor, University System of Georgia Board of Regents;

President of the Georgia Hospital Association;

Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety;

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED: That the individuals appointed be familiar with the possible effects of Y2K problems upon the entities served by their respective organizations and that the appointments be made no later than March 12, 1999; and

IT IS FURTIIER

ORDERED: That the individual appointed by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community AfTairs shall serve as the chairperson of this task force; and

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED:

That the Task Force be administratively attached to the Y2K Program Management Office under the Office of the Chief Information Officer for the State of Georgia which shall provide any necessary St&and support services. Any funds necessary to allow the Task Force to conduct its business shall come from those funds appropriated to the Executive Branch of government. Members shall not be compensated for their time except that they shall be reimbursed for their actual and reasonable expenses ihcurred in conjunction with the work of the Task Force.

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED: That the (orenamed members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and that the

task force shall stand abolished on December 3 1, 2000.

4

This

day of March 1999.

ATTEST:

GOVERNOR f

B-21-0017-1999