Executive Order No. GA-14

On March 31, 2020, Governor Abbott signed Executive Order No. GA-14 relating to statewide continuity of essential services and activities during the COVID-19 disaster.

On March 23^rd TSPS received communication from TxDOT that stated “TxDOT PEPS email, procurement and contracting will continue as usual and field work is considered essential work.

Field Work:  Field operations are considered essential work that needs to continue to be performed.  Just like our TxDOT Maintenance and Construction crews that must continue working, we consider that survey, SUE, CEI and geotechnical services must be considered essential services that need to continue to be performed during this time.”

The Department of Homeland Security CISA Version 2.0 document concludes that the work performed by surveyors and those they employ are necessary for “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” to perform their necessary and critically important responsibilities in service to our fellow citizens. In particular, the document covers transportation, utilities, energy, construction (including residential and commercial), and support for real estate transactions.

It is the opinion of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors and its legal counsel that the surveying profession is an essential service during the COVID-19 disaster.