H.R. 4268 Passes the House

Press Release

Washington, D.C. -- On Monday, May 19, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4268 which allows lumber and agricultural vehicles to continue to carry up to 84,000 pounds on Mississippi Highway 78 from mile marker 0 to mile marker 113. Lead sponsor of the bill, Rep. Alan Nunnelee (R-Miss) spoke on the House floor about the importance of the legislation.

"Agriculture is a very important part of our economy. Under the existing law, vehicles carrying agricultural products have to obtain a permit so that they can carry an additional five percent of weight on U.S. Highway 78. In the absence of this bill, that permit will no longer be available," said Nunnelee.

In this section of North Mississippi, this is especially problematic since some producers do not have access to railroads or alternative transportation routes.

The bill does not increase the size of the vehicles operating on the road, nor does it expand or change the state's permit requirements. This bill simply keeps the existing practice in place.

"This bill is no loss, no gain. The roadway that is in use today is the same roadway that will be used as Interstate 22. The mile markers as you have heard are specified in the legislation. There is not one additional vehicle that can legally travel this road under this law," reiterated Nunnelee.

Congressmen Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Gregg Harper (MS-03) and Steven Palazzo (MS-04) are cosponsors of the legislation. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss) are cosponsors of similar legislation in the Senate.

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