Governor acts to speed relief to Southeast Kansas
Executive order lifts transportation restrictions

As Southeast Kansas continues to deal with the effects of major flooding, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed an executive order lifting certain restrictions on motor vehicles carrying relief supplies to the area.

“The extent of the flooding is tremendous and getting homes, buildings and basic infrastructure repaired and rebuilt is going to be a massive undertaking.  We want to eliminate any barriers that could slow the delivery of relief to the Kansans affected by the flooding so that the process of recovery can start as soon as possible,” said Sebelius.

Executive Order 07-18 lifts the following restrictions on motor vehicles involved in relief efforts:

1. Fees associated with over-dimension/overweight permits.  Participating carriers who transport these loads must still obtain permits, receive priority service, and maintain a copy of the executive order in each vehicle.  These vehicles may also operate during low visibility and during night, holiday and curfew hours with clearance lights;
2. The requirements for registration and purchasing of fuel permits as required by the Kansas Department of Revenue;
3. The requirements for licensing/operating authority as required by the Kansas Corporation Commission; and
4. The requirements contained in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, CFR 49, Parts 390-399 under the authority of CFR 49, Part 390.23.  All other regulations in CFR 49 shall apply.

On Saturday, June 30, Sebelius declared a state of emergency for Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Elk, Franklin, Linn, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, Osage, Wilson and Woodson counties.  A presidential disaster declaration for the area was issued on Monday, July 2.

Executive orders can be viewed online at http://www.governor.ks.gov/executive/Orders/

# # #