OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BOB RILEY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 2, 2008

Governor Riley: Agreement Helps Accelerate Fuel Shipments into Alabama

MONTGOMERY – Governor Bob Riley said Alabama has entered into an agreement with Mississippi and Louisiana that will help speed the arrival of gasoline and diesel fuel into our state.

The agreement waives certain state regulations on Alabama-based trucks transporting gasoline and diesel fuel from Louisiana back into Alabama.

“Although the situation has improved, there are still some Alabama communities that are facing fuel shortages due to the damage caused by recent hurricanes in the gulf. This agreement allows us to take sensible action to ease the burden some drivers face in finding fuel for their vehicles, especially in our rural areas,” said Governor Riley.

The agreement applies only to Alabama-based trucks obtaining gasoline and diesel fuel from bonded suppliers in Louisiana. Trucks transporting fuel into Alabama will be required to have an 8 ½- inch X 11-inch sign in their windshields with the wording “Hurricane Motor Fuels Transport Relief.” Additionally, each vehicle will be required to have a copy of the signed agreement for presentation to law enforcement, if necessary. Alabama-based operators wishing to participate in this transport relief effort must contact the Alabama Department of Revenue at (334) 242-9008 to obtain the required documents authorizing this effort before travel into Louisiana and Mississippi.

The tri-state agreement waives certain regulations of the International Registration Plan and the International Fuel Tax Agreement for 30 days. The International Registration Plan is a registration reciprocity agreement among states and Canadian provinces providing for payment of fees based on distance. The International Fuel Tax Agreement is an agreement among states in the continental U.S. and Canadian provinces to simplify the reporting of fuel used by motor carriers operating in more than one jurisdiction.