Executive order, 2017 August 7

THE STATE OF GEORGIA
EXECUTIVE ORDER
BY THE GOVERNOR:

WHEREAS:

an On May 11, 2017, in response to the West Mims Fire within the Okefenokee
National Wildlife Refuge, Executive Order was issued authorizing the issuance ofpetmits to accommodate the emergency removal ofbumt timber; and

WHEREAS: The West Mims Fire caused catastrophic damage to timber in the impacted area; and

WHEREAS:

Due to the timber damage, Georgia Forestry Commission recommends specific restrictions be lifted on timber trucks to accommodate the removal of fire-damaged timber from Charlton, Clinch and Ware Counties; and

WHEREAS:

The Georgia Forestry Commission further recommends the State of Georgia allow vehicles transporting the above mentioned timber loads to travel on preapproved state maintained roadways; and

WHEREAS: The Georgia Department of Public Safety may issue over-dimensional permits to accommodate the movement of vehicles.

NOW, THEREFORE, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY

ORDERED:

That weight, height and length for any such vehicle transpmting fire-related timber on roadways maintained by the State of Georgia, shall not exceed the following:

A. A maximum gross vehicle weight for vehicles equipped with five (5) weight bearing axles, with an outer bridge span of not less than fifty one (51) feet, shall not exceed a gross vehicle weight of ninety five (95) thousand pounds, a maximum width often (1 0) feet and an overall length of one hundred (1 00) feet. Continuous travel is authorized, with the proper escorts.

B. If the width of said vehicle exceeds eight (8) feet six (6) inches and is traveling after daylight, defmed as thirty (30) minutes before sunset to thirty (30) minutes after sunrise, the transpmier is required to have a vehicle front and a rear

escort/amber light when traveling on a two lane roadway and a vehicle rear escort when traveling on a four lane highway. Transporters are responsible for ensuring they have proper oversize signs, markings, flags and escorts as defined in the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.

IT IS FURTHER

ORDERED:

That commercial vehicles operating outside the normal vehicle restrictions under the authority of this Executive Order shall be issued permits by the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Said vehicles shall be subject to any special conditions the Georgia Department of Public Safety may list on applicable permits. Nothing in this Executive Order shall be constmed to allow any vehicle to exceed weight limits posted for bridges and like stmctures, nor shall anything in this Executive Order be constmed to relieve compliance with restrictions other than those specified in this Executive Order or from any statute, rule, order or other legal requirement not specifically waived herein.

Permits may be issued by the Georgia Department of Public Safety during normal business hours from 7:00a.m. to 4:45p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 1844-837-5500.

This Executive Order shall be valid until11 :59 p.m. on August 31, 2017.

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