A state of emergency has been declared in Tioga County.

The state of emergency went into effect as of 4 p.m. Thursday, May 11th. It was declared due to the fact the county is experiencing a housing crisis because of the limited number of temporary and permanent housing and the county is not capable of receiving or sustaining any number of migrants or asylum seekers, according to the declaration.

This will remain in effect for 30 days or until it is rescinded.

County Executive Martha Sauerbrey directs all department and agencies to take the necessary steps to protect life, property, public infrastructure and provide emergency assistance.

No municipality can make contracts to transport or house migrants or asylum seekers and no hotel, motel or owner of a multiple dwelling is permitted to engage in business with any other municipality other than the county for the purpose of providing housing without a license granted by the county.

The county sheriff is authorized to issue appearance tickets for any violation and anyone who violates the order is liable to a penalty of up to $2,000 per migrant or asylum seeker for each day the violation occurs.

Tioga County joins Broome County in enacting a State of Emergency, as Broome County also declared a State of Emergency on Thursday.