Maine Governor Praises Senate Passage of Collins’ Provision on Truck Limits

September 17, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today said he was pleased that the full Senate has voted in support of a one-year pilot program authored by Senator Susan Collins. The provision will exempt Maine’s Interstate highway system from the current federal truck weight limit. The Collins’ proposal was part of the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations legislation.

“Approval of Senator Collins’ one-year project is an important step in the long and hard-fought efforts to bring common sense to the truck weight limit issue for Maine,” said Governor Baldacci. “I applaud the work of Senator Collins and the entire Maine Congressional delegation for its strong advocacy for changing the restrictions that have significantly hampered the ability of Maine businesses to compete regionally,” said Governor Baldacci.

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The Governor and the Maine Department of Transportation have supported changes in the truck weight limits on Maine’s Interstate Highways. Allowing loads to move from 80,000 pounds to 100,000 pounds on Maine’s Interstate will reduce the number of trucks on the road, thereby increasing safety, while reducing net fuel consumption. Transportation costs would be reduced, improving economic productivity of Maine industry.

Source: Maine Governor