The State of Maryland
Executive Department

Executive Order

01.01.2024.09

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland is subject to a variety of hazards and disasters, including an impending emergency as defined in Section 14-l0l(c) of the Public Safety Article of the Maryland Code;

WHEREAS, Having been advised and informed by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management that, as a result of a significant incident and infrastructure damage to the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, 2024, action may be needed to protect the lives and property of Maryland residents and visitors;

WHEREAS, Because of the potential impacts of this incident and in preparation for all contingencies, an emergency exists Statewide;

WHEREAS, Transportation, critical infrastructure and navigable waterways have been negatively affected by the impacts of this incident;

WHEREAS, State and local government agencies may require additional resources and support to implement proactive actions and meet the public safety and welfare needs of Maryland residents and visitors-who are negatively affected by the impacts of this incident;

WHEREAS, State and local government agencies and other organizations may require additional resources during incident recovery;

WHEREAS, In order to waive certain regulations to facilitate emergency response and restoration activities, to activate certain emergency contracts, and to facilitate the deployment of requisite resources within provisions of Maryland law;

WHEREAS, In order to implement the emergency powers of the Governor to facilitate the deployment of needed resources, an executive order is necessary and appropriate;

NOW, THEREFORE,  I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO TITLE 14 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND CODE, AND BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, HEREBY DECLARE THAT AN EMERGENCY EXISTS IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND AND HEREBY PROCLAIM THE  FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

1. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is hereby directed to coordinate the State preparedness and response to impacts of this incident.
    

2. All other appropriate State authorities are hereby authorized to activate their emergency preparedness plans and engage, deploy, use, and coordinate available resources in furtherance of those plans.

3. The Maryland National Guard is hereby called into State service.

GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Baltimore, this 26th Day of March 2024.

Wes Moore
Governor

ATTEST:
Susan C. Lee
Secretary of State