GOVERNOR'S OFFICE [26 Pa.B. 1341] Proclamation of Disaster Emergency Whereas, a very large and disastrous fire has occurred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 13, 1996, resulting in the destruction of a highway bridge which is a part of Interstate 95 and the closing of Interstate 95; and
Whereas, this fire has created serious and emergent disruption to commerce and transportation in Philadelphia by severing the established trade and travel patterns for transporting all manner of commercial products and by seriously interfering with the ability of residents to travel from their places of residence to their places of business or other sources of livelihood; and
Whereas, in addition to the economic aspects of this disaster, there is serious concern for the public safety and well-being of residents located in the immediate vicinity of the fire; and
Whereas, it is necessary to take immediate steps to provide for the reopening of Interstate 95 and to repair and reconstruct the bridge and structures associated with the highway; and
Whereas, sections 120(e) and 125 of Title 23, U. S. Code have made provision for catastrophes befalling states such as have occurred in this instance;
Therefore, I, Tom Ridge, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 7301(c) of the Emergency Management Services Code (35 Pa.C.S. Section 7101 et seq.), do hereby proclaim an emergency to exist on Interstate 95 in the City of Philadelphia in the location of the fire which occurred today. Immediate repair and reconstruction of Interstate 95 and any related structures and facilities is vital to the security, well-being and health of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Federal Highway Administrator is hereby requested to concur in the declaration of emergency. In addition, I authorize the Secretary of the Department of Transportation to use all available equipment, resources and personnel of the Department and to dispense with time-consuming bid and contract procedures and formalities, in whatever manner he deems necessary, to ensure that the damage to Interstate 95 and related facilities and structures is repaired as expeditiously as possible. I hereby waive any laws or regulations that would restrict the application and use of the Department's equipment, resources and personnel to respond immediately and effectively in repairing, reconstructing or replacing this highway and related facilities, or in undertaking any new construction.
GIVEN under my hand and Great Seal of the Commonwealth, this thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, nine-hundred and ninety-six, and of the Commonwealth, the two-hundred and twentieth.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 96-473. Filed for public inspection March 29, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]
