Gov. Beshear announces state to expedite delivery of emergency housing to victims of Hurricane Sandy

Gov. Steve Beshear announced Thursday that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has waived permitting requirements for transporting emergency housing to victims of Hurricane Sandy along the eastern seaboard.

Transportation Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock, signed the waiver, which allows FEMA trailers to move through Kentucky toward areas of need more quickly.  The waiver allows trailers to be transported without restriction on hours of operation and allows them to skip weigh stations.  The carriers are also exempted from the usual requirement of rear escorts during transport.

“Hurricane Sandy damaged or destroyed many homes on her devastating path through the northeast,” Beshear said.  “Families need warm, safe shelter, especially as the weather grows colder.  It is our responsibility to help get these storm victims the supplies they need as quickly as we can.”

Last week, Beshear signed an executive order directing the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to expedite the transport of emergency supplies in response to flooding and damages from Hurricane Sandy.

The executive order directs KYTC to waive special registration and permit requirements for vehicles carrying relief supplies such as food, water, and medicine to affected areas or for utility vehicles responding to power outages or debris removal.

Staff report