WHEREAS: On March 31, 2023, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes occurred throughout Arkansas, causing great dangers, hardships, and suffering throughout the state. That same day, Executive Order 23-20 declared a state of emergency in response to these storms, pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et seq.;
WHEREAS: On April 10, 2023, this emergency was renewed by Executive Order 23-23 and declared effective until such emergency conditions cease to exist;
WHEREAS: Many Arkansans continue to experience the devastating effects of these storms, specifically those who have lost their homes;
WHEREAS: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of delivering temporary housing units to meet the immediate housing needs of Arkansans who have been displaced as a result of these storms. The safety and welfare of these affected citizens requires that such relief efforts be expedited; and
WHEREAS: Ark. Code Ann. § 12-75-114(e)(9) authorizes the Governor to provide for the availability and use of temporary emergency housing. Furthermore, under Ark. Code Ann. § 12-75-114(e)(1), the Governor is authorized to suspend any regulatory statutes or rules that in any way prevent, hinder, or delay actions necessary in coping with an emergency.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas and pursuant to Act 511 of 1973, as amended, do hereby declare that the state of emergency initially declared in Executive Order 23-20 continues to exist, as applied to commercial carriers engaged in the transportation and delivery of FEMA temporary housing units in response to this emergency.
FURTHERMORE, pursuant to the emergency powers vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas, I hereby order the following:
1. Commercial carriers engaged in the transportation of FEMA temporary housing units in response to the emergency conditions described herein, shall be temporarily exempt from certain state laws governing escort and curfew requirements for oversize and overweight vehicles on highways in Arkansas.
2. This exemption shall apply only for the duration of the activity described in subsection (1).
3. This exemption shall not cover loads greater than sixteen (16) feet wide.
4. This Order shall expire on August 18, 2023, unless renewed by a subsequent order.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 20th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2023.
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