For immediate release Office of Communications Sept. 12, 2017 (404) 651-7774 Deal lifts mandatory evacuation order for six coastal counties Following state bridge inspections, local officials now able to determine reentry Acting on a recommendation from the Emergency Operations Command and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Gov. Nathan Deal today lifted the mandatory evacuation order for six coastal counties. Beginning Monday evening through today, GDOT assessment teams deployed in the area completed safety inspections of 49 impacted state bridges. Following the safety determination of each bridge, the state lifted the mandatory evacuation order. This executive order allows local authorities to determine when citizens may return home and issue appropriate guidance. To read the executive order, see attached or click here. For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency website here. Jen Talaber Ryan jen.ryan@georgia.gov Alyssa Botts abotts@georgia.gov THE STATE OF GEORGIA EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE GOVERNOR: WHEREAS: On September 7, 2017, due to the potential impact of Hurricane Irma to the state of Georgia as forecasted by the National Hurricane Center, I declared a State of Emergency and declared all citizens east of Interstate 95 along Georgia's coast be mandatorily evacuated; and WHEREAS: Hurricane Irma impacted citizens throughout the State, producing excessive rainfall and damaging winds, causing extensive flooding, fallen trees and the closure of numerous roads; and WHEREAS: The stmm has exited Georgia and local, state and federal assets are responding to requests for assistance; and WHEREAS: Each political subdivision is in the best position to decide when essential services are able to support re-entry of its general population; and WHEREAS: The authority is vested in the Governor by virtue of O.C.G.A. 38-3-51 to issue reasonable orders, rules and regulations deemed necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare, and bring the emergency situation under control within the aclmowledged limitations of the powers of the Governor. NOW THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED: That the mandatory evacuation ordered on September 7, 2017, be lifted and each political subdivision decide when best to allow re-entry of its general population. This 12th day of September, 2017 at L)\00 AM/PM. GOVERNOR