Morahan Transportation Legislation Signed Into Law

State Senator Thomas P. Morahan (R-C, New City) has informed officials of United Water New York that Governor Pataki has signed into law legislation he sponsored, which amends the transportation law to enable their Water Emergency Teams to more promptly and efficiently respond to water emergencies.

The Senator briefed United Water Officials on the amendment to Section 214 of the transportation law which exempts the drivers of water utility vehicles, who are engaged in the emergency restoration of water service, from the provisions of a state transportation law which prohibits drivers of commercial motor trucks from driving for unreasonably extended periods of time.

The previous statute, which had been applied to water utility emergency team drivers, was intended for long-haul drivers who needed to get adequate rest. The water utility Emergency Team Drivers affected by this new legislation only drive trucks as an incidental part of their job duties.

Prior to the new law, time delays at water emergency sites were often caused by the myriad of administrative tasks presented to water utility executives, who sought waivers for their emergency crews, from these rules.

In previous years the Senator has sponsored laws which exempt telephone emergency crews and gas and electric emergency crews from DOT provisions.

"This legislation will help ensure that service that has been interrupted is restored by utility emergency crews as soon as possible,"said Senator Morahan.

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