December 20, 1999
District Government Announces 'We're Ready' for Y2K
(Washington, D.C.) - Mayor Anthony A. Williams, joined by several members of his Cabinet, Council members and John Koskinen, the Chairman of the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, announced that the District is ready for Y2K. The announcement took place during a press conference at the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters.
"I'm proud to tell you today that we have met our goal. We're ready for Y2K, said the Mayor. "Residents, businesses, and visitors can rest assured that city services will function. We can all focus on enjoying the holidays, and celebrating the Millennium."
The steps the District has taken to prepare for Y2K include having 100 percent of the District's critical computer systems remediated, tested and production-ready. Over 3,300 new Y2K compliant desktop computers are being installed in mission-critical agencies¾agencies that provide essential services to District residents. The city has also repaired or replaced 100 percent of its equipment with embedded computer chips that was found to be non-Y2K compliant.
The Mayor urged citizens to take common sense precautions, "As always, it makes sense to be prepared as an individual. Even if nothing Y2K related happens, there's always the potential for a snowstorm or a power outage. So we're still encouraging residents to take common sense precautions and prepare as they would for a long holiday weekend or a winter storm."
Agency directors whose services are especially critical during the year-end date change were available to answer questions regarding the contingency plans for their agency. Some of those agencies included the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and EMS, Emergency Management Agency, and the Water and Sewer Authority.
