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Commissioners warn proposed axle-weight change for log trucks could damage county roads; also urge support for House Bill 143
Summary
Commissioners discussed the potential local impact of proposed state bills to raise axle-weight limits for logging trucks (SB110 / HB204) and promoted House Bill 143, which commissioners say could protect tournament revenues on the Coosa chain and bring significant economic benefits.
Commissioners raised alarms about proposed state legislation that would increase allowable axle weights for certain trucks, saying the change could accelerate deterioration of county roads and cost local governments.
Commissioner Childress described Senate Bill 110 (SB110) as written to raise axle-weight limits for logging trucks and said county road surfaces and bridges—built to lower standards than state highways—could be heavily damaged. Childress said the county faces an estimated 20 to 30 percent increase in pavement degradation if the change passes and asked residents to contact state legislators, naming Senators April Weaver and Clyde Chambliss and Representatives Van Smith and Russell (Roger) Bethel (names as pronounced in the meeting) to express concern.
Another commissioner who identified himself as working in the trucking business said an increase in allowable axle weight per tandem from industry norms would be unsafe, could shift heavy loads onto county roads, and could force bridge postings that reroute heavy trucks onto local roads. Commissioners said state-level road-building standards (ALDOT) differ from county road construction and that many county roads would not be built to the same base specifications.
Separately, Commissioner Perkins urged support for House Bill 143. Perkins said he and Commissioner Bone have worked with organizations to bring events to the county and that HB143 would prohibit restrictions on "slot limits" for tournaments on the Coosa chain (as discussed in Montgomery). Perkins said passage of the bill could support about $16,000,000 in potential revenue for the county, as reported to the commission.
Commissioners encouraged residents with relationships to state delegates to call and express concerns about the logging weight bill and to support the bill affecting Coosa chain tournaments.
These items were presented as legislative updates and discussion; the commission did not take formal votes on the state bills during the meeting.
