Chuck
February 23rd, 2005, 09:46 AM
FRANKFORT -- Legislation that would allow truckers hauling sand, rock,
shale and other natural resources to increase their weight limit to
120,000 pounds passed yesterday after an hour-long discussion about the
bill's impact on safety and the state budget.
House Bill 8, sponsored by Rep. Howard Cornett, R-Whitesburg, would set
the maximum weight limit of trucks hauling any natural resource subject
to state severance tax at the current coal truck weight limit of 120,000
pounds, up from 80,000. Haulers of these other natural resources have
filed suit claiming that their trucks should have the same weight limit
as coal trucks, for which the 80,000-pound limit was raised years ago.
Cornett said if the courts declare that current law setting the coal
truck limit of 120,000 pounds is unconstitutional because it
discriminates against other haulers, "it will devastate the coal
industry."
The bill eventually passed 55-32, but not until other lawmakers tried to
impress upon their colleagues that it could cost the state both lives
and millions of dollars in road damage.
Although the fiscal impact of HB 8 has not been determined, House Budget
Review Subcommittee on Transportation Chairman Rep. Rob Wilkey said it
is estimated that it would cost $15.3 million per year in added
maintenance costs to fix road damage caused by the additional weight. He
also said the bill would likely cost the state $360 million over several
decades for bridge replacements.
"I cannot in good conscience sit here today and tell the members that
this is a good remedy," said Wilkey, D-Scottsville, who added that the
state is losing $11 million a year on its extended weight road system
already. Cornett said the $15.3 million annual cost increase would be
offset by increased enforcement, which would increase revenue from
fines.
Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, stressed the dangers of allowing more
overweight trucks on the roads. He made his point by showing House
members pictures of a 1999 accident in which his father-in-law's car was
hit by a semi truck traveling 80 mph. Amazingly, Wayne said, his
father-in-law survived but was disabled by the accident, which broke his
back.
"What is being asked under this bill is that the legal limit be
increased. Not only will more people on our highways be at risk, but our
highways will be at risk," Wayne said, referring to road damage that is
often caused by overweight trucks.
Rep. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, said she is concerned with public safety but
she is also concerned about her local and state economy.
"Coal drives our economy in Kentucky in so many ways," she said. "If the
coal loads go back to 80,000 pounds, that economic driver is
diminished."
shale and other natural resources to increase their weight limit to
120,000 pounds passed yesterday after an hour-long discussion about the
bill's impact on safety and the state budget.
House Bill 8, sponsored by Rep. Howard Cornett, R-Whitesburg, would set
the maximum weight limit of trucks hauling any natural resource subject
to state severance tax at the current coal truck weight limit of 120,000
pounds, up from 80,000. Haulers of these other natural resources have
filed suit claiming that their trucks should have the same weight limit
as coal trucks, for which the 80,000-pound limit was raised years ago.
Cornett said if the courts declare that current law setting the coal
truck limit of 120,000 pounds is unconstitutional because it
discriminates against other haulers, "it will devastate the coal
industry."
The bill eventually passed 55-32, but not until other lawmakers tried to
impress upon their colleagues that it could cost the state both lives
and millions of dollars in road damage.
Although the fiscal impact of HB 8 has not been determined, House Budget
Review Subcommittee on Transportation Chairman Rep. Rob Wilkey said it
is estimated that it would cost $15.3 million per year in added
maintenance costs to fix road damage caused by the additional weight. He
also said the bill would likely cost the state $360 million over several
decades for bridge replacements.
"I cannot in good conscience sit here today and tell the members that
this is a good remedy," said Wilkey, D-Scottsville, who added that the
state is losing $11 million a year on its extended weight road system
already. Cornett said the $15.3 million annual cost increase would be
offset by increased enforcement, which would increase revenue from
fines.
Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, stressed the dangers of allowing more
overweight trucks on the roads. He made his point by showing House
members pictures of a 1999 accident in which his father-in-law's car was
hit by a semi truck traveling 80 mph. Amazingly, Wayne said, his
father-in-law survived but was disabled by the accident, which broke his
back.
"What is being asked under this bill is that the legal limit be
increased. Not only will more people on our highways be at risk, but our
highways will be at risk," Wayne said, referring to road damage that is
often caused by overweight trucks.
Rep. Robin Webb, D-Grayson, said she is concerned with public safety but
she is also concerned about her local and state economy.
"Coal drives our economy in Kentucky in so many ways," she said. "If the
coal loads go back to 80,000 pounds, that economic driver is
diminished."