Georgia considers heavier trucks despite official opposition
By JEFF AMY
Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia is moving toward increasing the weight limit for large trucks to 90,000 pounds. The House Transportation Committee voted 18-11 for the bill on Thursday, sending it to the full House for more debate. Approval came despite strong criticism from state Department of Transportation and local officials who say trucks heavier than the current 80,000-pound limit will tear up roads and bridges. Logging, farming and trucking groups have long wanted an increase. They say they could save money by hauling the same amount of freight over fewer trips. Gov. Brian Kemp has been allowing some trucks to haul 95,000 pounds under an emergency order.
