Governor Walker Authorizes Wisconsin National Guard to Assist Florida Ahead of Hurricane Irma

Governor Scott Walker today signed Executive Order #254 authorizing Major General Donald Dunbar, Wisconsin’s Adjutant General, to call elements of the Wisconsin National Guard to state active duty to assist civil authorities in Florida, if needed, in response to Hurricane Irma. The order also temporarily waives certain federal and state regulations for interstate and intrastate carriers providing direct emergency relief and assistance relating to Hurricane Irma.

“We stand ready to help our friends in Florida who are bracing for Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest Atlantic Ocean storms on record,” Governor Walker said. “I thank Major General Dunbar and the men and women of the Wisconsin National Guard for their readiness and willingness to assist in response efforts. We are also directing all state agencies to assist the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs in responding to this situation.”

Governor Walker’s executive order declares a State of Emergency under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The EMAC is an aid agreement between U.S. states and territories, which can be utilized to enhance federal emergency response efforts.

Also under the order, interstate and intrastate motor carriers engaged in direct emergency relief and assistance specifically related to Hurricane Irma are:

• Relieved from requirements contained in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Title 49 C.F.R Parts 390-399 and Wis. Admin. Code chs. TRANS 325 and 327, subject to the restrictions and limitations described in the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s September 6, 2017, Regional Declaration of Emergency Under 49 C.F.R. § 390.23.  This relief is valid for the duration of the motor carrier’s assistance in the disaster relief effort or the duration of this Order, whichever is less.

In addition, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Ross has waived the fee required to obtain 72-hour trip permits for vehicles traveling into Wisconsin that are not registered in Wisconsin nor enrolled in the International Registration Plan (IRP) or the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and are providing direct emergency relief and assistance relating to Hurricane Irma.

To obtain a no-fee 72-hour trip permit, call 608-266-9900 Monday – Friday, 7:45 am – 4:15 pm.

The governor’s order does not suspend the operation of any state or federal laws within the State of Wisconsin except as specifically described in the order.

Governor Walker has also authorized state agencies to grant a paid leave of absence of up to thirty (30) days to permanent state employees who are certified Red Cross disaster relief volunteers to provide specialized disaster services in the States of Florida, Texas, and Louisiana at the written request of the American Red Cross.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by Gov. Scott Walker

Governor Walker Orders Flags to Half-Staff Honoring Master Sergeant Jonathan Dunbar

Apr 13th, 2019 by Gov. Scott Walker

Governor Scott Walker ordered flags to half-staff on Saturday, April 14, 2018.

Governor Walker Orders Flags to Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Captain Christopher Truman of the Lake Mills Fire Department

Jan 3rd, 2019 by Gov. Scott Walker

Captain Truman died on December 31, 2018, while selflessly assisting a driver of a crashed vehicle on Highway 12 near the Yahara River Bridge in Monona, Wisconsin.

Governor Walker Appoints St. Croix County Judge and Ashland County District Attorney

Jan 2nd, 2019 by Gov. Scott Walker

Governor Scott Walker today appointed Attorney Scott J. Nordstrand to serve as a judge on the St. Croix County Circuit Court and Attorney David Meany to the position of Ashland County District Attorney.