|
Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear Authorizes Drought Assistance for Southwest U.S.
Executive order expedites transport of critical livestock feed and supplies
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear today signed an executive order directing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to expedite the transport of emergency supplies to southwestern states struggling with drought.
The executive order, filed at the request of Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, directs the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to waive special registration and permit requirements for vehicles carrying relief supplies such as livestock forage and hay to stricken areas.
Under the order, the response vehicles do not have to pay permit fees for oversized/overweight vehicles. KYTC will also waive certain size and weight restrictions as they determine to be appropriate to meet the needs of the agricultural community. In order to ensure the safety of the traveling public and its infrastructure, the carrier must obtain all necessary permits for route verification.
“Having responded to a series of weather disasters as Governor, I know that quick and decisive action is absolutely critical to recovery efforts,” Gov. Beshear said. “We do not hesitate to lend a helping hand to our fellow citizens in other states when we are asked to do so.”
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has designated dozens of counties in southwestern states as disaster areas due to continuing drought and high temperatures. These extreme conditions have caused extensive damage to farm production.
###
|