EXECUTIVE ORDER

OFFICE OF THE KENTON COUNTY JUDGE-EXECUTIVE

KRIS A. KNOCHELMANN

EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-98

KENTON COUNTY, KY

Declaration Of A Local State Of Emergency

November 12, 2020

WHEREAS, on November 11, 2020, a collision involving a truck carrying potassium hydroxide and an unknown amount of diesel fuel occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m. on the northbound deck of the Brent Spence Bridge, which carried traffic across the Ohio River on Interstates 71 and 75; and

WHEREAS, the collision caused a fire that lasted approximately two hours and which appears to have caused damage to the southbound deck of the Brent Spence Bridge; and

WHEREAS, emergency personnel were ordered off of the Brent Spence Bridge until the structural integrity of the Bridge could be confirmed for the safety of personnel; and

WHEREAS, the Brent Spence Bridge is a vital link across the Ohio River waterway, carrying daily traffic of both Interstates 71 and 75 between Kentucky and Ohio; and

WHEREAS, the damage to the Brent Spence Bridge has rendered the bridge temporarily unusable and dangerous to the traveling public; and

WHEREAS, this collision has created a significant disruption of the vital services within this regional area, to include medical, educational, utilities and basic human needs; and

WHEREAS, this collision has adversely impacted the movement of goods and commodities within interstate commerce, and

WHEREAS, the duration of this disruption will continue into the foreseeable future until the damaged portion of the Brent Spence Bridge is replaced and/or repaired.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kris Knochelmann, Judge Executive of Kenton County, by the authority vested in me by KRS 39A.100(2) do hereby declare that a regional state of emergency exists in the areas impacted by the Brent Spence Bridge collision, and in order to adequately respond to the emergency situation herby ORDER, and DIRECT the following:

1. All agencies of Kenton County shall cooperate to the fullest extent with Kenton County Office of Homeland Security Emergency Management  and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and shall provide such assistance as may be required for response to this emergency.

2. Under this State of Emergency, as provided in KRS 39A.100 (2) and 45A.380(1) County Judge Executive can waive procedures and formalities otherwise required by the law pertaining to: a) performance of public work, b) entering into contracts, c) incurring obligations, d) employment of permanent and temporary workers, e) utilization of volunteer workers, f) rental of equipment, g) appropriation and expenditure of public funds.

This Executive Order shall be in effect immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded.

This order is effective November 12, 2020.

EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-98 Emergency Declaration Brent Spence Bridge