September 08, 2017
Michigan agencies to cooperate with MSP requests to provide aid through mutual aid compact between states
Friday, Sept. 8, 2017
LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Gov. Brian Calley today issued Executive Directive 2017-3, making motor carriers and their drivers providing emergency relief to states affected by Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Jose exempt from hours-of-service and fuel regulations, as well as weigh station rules enforced by the Michigan State Police.
In response to the approach and potential combined impacts of the hurricanes, vehicles transporting emergency supplies and assistance for utility restoration and debris removal will need to move on Michigan highways without delays. The directive will allow those transporting emergency supplies to spend more hours on the road to ensure the efficient delivery of vital supplies and services to the affected areas.
Additionally, all executive branch departments and agencies, except for the Department of State or the Department of Attorney General, are directed to provide support, as they are able, to address resource requests received through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) when notified by the Emergency Management and Homeland Division of the MSP.
The EMAC is an all hazards/all disciplines mutual aid compact between the states to provide consistent and coordinated response to emergencies and disasters across the nation. The EMHSD is the single point of contact on behalf of the Governor for any EMAC requests.
“We want to make absolutely sure emergency resources are reaching the affected areas as quickly as possible,” Calley said. “This executive directive will help ensure vital supplies and services are delivered speedily to where they’re needed most.”
The executive directive suspends state and federal regulations related to hours-of-service for motor carriers and drivers transporting all emergencies supplies within Michigan, enabling these individuals to exceed the number of hours and consecutive days in which they can operate a commercial motor vehicle. It does not waive any environmental rules or alter commercial arrangements.
Motor carriers or drivers currently subject to an out-of-service directive, in which operations are prohibited, are not eligible for the exemption and suspension until the out-of-service directive expires or the conditions for rescission have been satisfied. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Michigan State Police require that drivers for motor carriers operating under the Declaration of Energy Emergency have a copy of the declaration in their possession. It is available at www.michigan.gov/snyder.
Article V Section 26 of the Michigan Constitution gives authority to the lieutenant governor to act as governor when the governor is out of state.
The full text of ED 2017-3 is available for download here.
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