New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Aids State of Kansas

Waives Load Limits on New Mexico Highways During State of Emergency

SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed an executive order today waiving load limits inside the state today to expedite relief shipments headed toward Kansas during its state of emergency.

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Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius declared 34 counties a disaster after severe weather, including tornadoes, hail, high winds and flooding caused severe damage to many communities. Last week, 95% of Greensburg, KS was destroyed by an F5 tornado leaving 1,400 residents homeless.

As a result of the devastation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is transporting mobile homes from Arkansas, Louisiana and Florida and utility companies are moving generators, transmission poles, and other essential items from sites around the country. To expedite this movement, Governor Sebelius asked other states to lift load limits to help facilitate the transportation of the mobile homes and critical infrastructure during this time of emergency.

“As a State that was threatened by severe flooding and tornadoes over the past year, I feel it imperative to aid Kansas during their time of need,” said Governor Bill Richardson said.

The Department of Public Safety’s Motor Transportation Division will aid in the expedition of these Kansas-bound loads, while ensuring the highways of New Mexico remain safe and the bridges and roads are not compromised by the heavy loads, routing trucks appropriately.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2007-024

SUPPORT FOR RELIEF EFFORTS IN THE STATE OF KANSAS

WHEREAS, on May 5, 2007, Governor Sebelius of Kansas, declared a state of emergency for Kiowa, Barton, Stafford, Pratt, Edwards and Phillips counties, and on May 11th added twenty-eight (28) more counties as a result of severe weather, including tornados, hail, high winds and flooding, causing loss of life, personal injury, and excessive damage to businesses and homes;

WHEREAS, as a result, the State of Kansas has invoked 49 C.F.R. § Part 390.23, which provides relief from certain federal regulations for motor carrier or drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle to provide emergency relief during an emergency;

WHEREAS, President Bush issued a declaration of a major disaster in the State of Kansas on May 6, 2007;

WHEREAS, this severe natural disaster has resulted in extensive human suffering and economic damage;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to expedite restoration of services and relief in the affected areas and the State of New Mexico wishes to accommodate the need to provide assistance to the citizens of those affected counties;

WHEREAS, because of the state of emergency as a result of severe weather in the State of Kansas, it is necessary to assist and expedite all efforts of restoration of services and relief and to provide assistance to the citizens of Kansas in this extreme situation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New Mexico do hereby order pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Trip Tax Act and the Motor Vehicle Code that the Motor Transportation Division of the Department of Public Safety shall expedite and assist in the issuance on any special permits or trip permits to facilitate the deliver of aid and relief to the citizens of Kansas, including the issuance of permits for excessive size or weight requirements or manufactured homes, or the issuance of trip permits. This Order is in effect for the duration of the State of Kansas’ emergency.

THIS ORDER supersedes any other previous orders, proclamations, or directives in conflict. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as the Governor rescinds it.

Source: New Mexico Governor