Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Issues Executive Order to Facilitate Timely Response in Emergency Situations
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt issued Executive Order 06-29 permitting the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Director to temporarily suspend certain commercial motor vehicle regulations in response to emergencies.
“The news regarding the latest terror plot against the United States illustrates that we must remain vigilant and equipped to respond to any type of emergency situation,” Blunt said. “This executive order is a continuation of one issued last month empowering the state’s transportation director to temporarily suspend certain commercial vehicle regulations to meet the needs of Missourians in response to emergencies.”
The executive order allows the director to issue an emergency declaration of a regional emergency in order to temporarily suspend the usual requirements for motor carriers and drivers operating a commercial vehicle. If the MoDOT director issues an emergency declaration, drivers of motor carriers and commercial vehicles providing emergency assistance may receive a temporary suspension from the Title 49, Federal Code of Regulations Parts 390-399.
The director may also direct that commercial motor vehicle regulatory requirements regarding the purchase of trip permits for registration and fuel be waived for those bringing supplies to the devastated areas. The executive order also allows for over-dimension and over-weight permits to be issued for commercial motor carriers engaged in interstate and intrastate disaster relief efforts.
The executive order is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2007.
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