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Adoption of State of Emergency and Disaster Recovery Policy (SAF7)
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DESCRIPTION: RTA’s State of Emergency and Disaster Recovery Policy (SAF7) |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
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This is a request to rescind Resolution 20-022 and to adopt the State of Emergency and Disaster Recovery Policy (SAF7) as the governing framework for all future RTA emergency and disaster declarations. This action will rescind Resolution No. 20-022 and add SAF7 as a new policy.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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In 2020, the Board adopted Resolution No. 20-022 to establish an internal emergency declaration policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While that policy provided a useful framework during the public health emergency, it was narrow in scope and does not adequately address the broader range of emergencies and disasters that impact RTA operations.
In 2021, RTA established a dedicated Emergency Management team to help standardize emergency planning, response, and recovery practices and to align agency practices to industry standards and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines.
The agency’s current operational environment requires a comprehensive framework that clearly grants the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) authority, delegation procedures, documentation requirements, and emergency pay criteria for both emergency and disaster scenarios. In addition, federal and state reimbursement processes under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and related FEMA guidelines require consistency between internal declaration procedures and RTA’s All Hazards Plan for RTA to qualify for reimbursements.
To address these needs, staff developed a State of Emergency and Disaster Recovery Policy that expands upon the prior version, integrates with the agency’s All Hazards Plan, and ensures RTA is positioned for operational continuity and reimbursement eligibility during declared incidents.
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DISCUSSION:
The State of Emergency and Disaster Recovery Policy provides a clear and comprehensive framework for how RTA declares and manages emergencies and disasters. The earlier resolution, adopted in response to COVID-19, was limited in scope and no longer reflects the agency’s broader operational and regulatory needs. The new policy applies to all hazards and creates a consistent approach that supports operations, finance, and compliance.
The policy establishes clear authority for making declarations and sets out how that authority is delegated during incidents. It formalizes documentation requirements through standardized declaration and rescission templates to ensure compliance and audit readiness. The policy will also be fully integrated with the All-Hazards Plan so that emergency declarations support the agency’s response and recovery procedures pursuant to the Plan (as required by FEMA to qualify for reimbursement). Finally, it defines emergency pay criteria for activated emergency personnel, providing transparency and fairness for employees while meeting federal and state requirements.
This policy strengthens RTA’s ability to maintain essential transit services during emergencies, protect employees and riders, and secure reimbursement for eligible costs following declared incidents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no direct financial impact associated with adoption of this policy.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon approval by the Board, the State of Emergency and Disaster Recovery Policy will be formally adopted and incorporated into the RTA’s All Hazards Plan. The prior resolution, No. 20-022, will be rescinded, and the Department of Safety, Security and Emergency Management will update internal procedures and communication materials to ensure agency-wide awareness and compliance.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Resolution: RTA State of Emergency and Disaster Recovery Policy
2. 20-022 Internal State of Emergency Policy Document
3. 2022 RTA All Hazards Plan
4. SAF7: RTA State of Emergency and Disaster Recovery Policy
Prepared By: Craig Toomey
Title: Senior Director, Emergency Management
Reviewed By: Mike Smith
Title: Chief Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Officer
2/5/2026
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer