A Washington County resolution will soon be sent to the Iowa State Capitol to express opposition to Senate File 184. The Washington County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported a resolution that opposes the Senate bill that would allow forestry trucks to haul heavy loads, up to 130,000 pounds, with a state DOT permit.

Supervisor Richard Young said the bill is bad news for county roads, “If you guys think about this, you know how bad the gravel roads are right now. You put a 130,000-pound truck running up and down the gravel roads, there are going to be ruts how deep? So 130,000 pounds is a lot of weight to go on a gravel road that was never built for that, so that’s the reason we’re opposing this.” In addition, county bridges are currently posted for 80,000-pound weight limits and would then have to be inspected again, another cost to the county. County Attorney John Gish said the measure takes away local control with the issuance of a state permit for these heavy vehicles. Supervisor Abe Miller added that the liability would be on the county to then fix the roads or bridges damaged by heavy loads, which could be property damage or personal injury.

Senate File 184 passed subcommittee with recommendation for passage and is eligible for floor debate and full Senate consideration.