MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker today signed Executive Order #254, which authorizes the 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.

The order declares a state of emergency and authorizes Maj. Gen. Donald Dunbar to determine which elements of the Wisconsin National Guard are deemed necessary for a response. The order also temporarily waives certain federal and state regulations for interstate motor 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,” Gov. Walker said. “I thank Maj. Gen. 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.”

Gov. 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 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 ch. TRANS 325, subject to the restrictions and limitations described in the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Aug. 25, 2017 Regional Declaration of Emergency Under 49 C.F.R. §390.23 and Aug. 31, 2017, Regional Declaration of Emergency Under 49 CFR § 390.23. This relief is valid for the duration of the motor carrier’s assistance in the disaster relief effort or the duration of the emergency, whichever is less.

In addition, Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Dave 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, 7:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

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.

A copy of Executive Order #254 is attached.