SECRETARY’S EMERGENCY ORDER
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STATE OF EMERGENCY – TROPICAL STORM LAURA AND TROPICAL
DEPRESSION 14
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WHEREAS, pursuant to the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, La. R.S. 29:721, et seq., the Governor declared a State of Emergency in Proclamation Number 108 JBE 2020 whereby said provision of law confers upon the Governor of the State of Louisiana emergency powers to deal with emergencies and disasters, including those caused by fire, flood, earthquake or other natural or manmade causes, in order to ensure that preparations of this State will be adequate to deal with such emergencies or disasters and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, when the Governor determines that a disaster or emergency has occurred, or the threat thereof is imminent, La. R.S. 29:724(8)(1) empowers him to declare a state of emergency by executive order or proclamation, or both; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has indicated that Tropical Storm Laura and Tropical Depression 14 are expected to move toward the northern Gulf of Mexico over the next few days; and
WHEREAS, the safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the state of Louisiana and surrounding states requires the movement of motorist traveling on the public highways of thestate of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, many parishes across the state will need to take protective measures to help mitigate flooding and wind damage in response to this imminent threat, as well as prepare additional evacuation and sheltering measures required during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, five parishes have declared states of emergency, the state anticipates that many more parishes will declare states of emergency, and assistance may be needed to assist parishes in their response to this developing threat; and
WHEREAS, to deal with emergencies or disasters and to ensure that preparations of this state will be adequate to deal with such emergencies or disasters, and to preserve the lives and property of the citizens of the state of Louisiana, including the authority to suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.
NOW THEREFORE, I, SHAWN DAVID WILSON, Secretary of Department of Transportation and Development, State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:
SECTION 1: With respect to the collection of payments at tolls under the operation and control of the state of Louisiana, specifically LA 1 Toll Bridge from Leeville, Louisiana to Grand Isle and Port Fourchon:
1. All tolls are waived.
SECTION 2: With respect to the Customer Service Center in Golden Meadow, Louisiana:
1. The Customer Service Center in Golden Meadow, Louisiana will close its lobby and services.
2. The GeauxPass website is www.geauxpass.com and the customer service center phone number is 1-866-662-8987
SECTION 3: This Order is effective August 21, 2020 at 9:00 P.M. and shall remain in effect until amended, modified or rescinded.
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Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D.
Department of Transportation and Development