The devastating flood damage in Texas has prompted the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to waive fees and expedite permits so commercial vehicles can transport urgent equipment to areas in need quickly.

When the after effects from the storm Harvey worsened, the effort began, and trucks that hauled eight emergency generators were able to depart from a Caterpillar facility in Phoenix and head to Fort Hood, Texas, which is approximately 200 miles northwest of Houston, ADOT reported. The crews responding to those in emergency areas will receive electricity from the generators.

“Arizona is doing everything it can to help the people who are struggling after this hurricane,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said in a press release. “As a transportation agency, we can help get equipment there efficiently and safely.”

Before the trucks could cross the bridges on Interstate 10, ADOT's Enforcement and Compliance Division checked the weight of each truck. Then, ADOT's commercial vehicle port of entry in San Simon and others were notified that the trucks would not have the usual permits but should be permitted to pass.

According to ADOT, this process will continue as long as the disaster declaration remains in action.