Latest NACo advocacy on the size and weight of heavy trucks

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Counties across the nation face pressing challenges as proposed legislation threatens to increase the size and weight of heavy trucks beyond the current 80,000-pound federal threshold. As owners of nearly half of all public road miles and one in four bridges in America, this issue significantly impacts county budgets and the safety of our residents.  

County Concerns

At their current weight, heavy trucks already cause substantial damage to local roads and bridges with no corresponding funding to offset costs for more frequent road repairs, bridge reinforcements and maintenance projects. According to a local bridge study by county engineers and our coalition partners, upgrades to accommodate weights being proposed in Congress would cost nearly $80 billion. This figure does not include the additional, immense costs to repair local and state roads and highways.  

For most of the nation’s counties – particularly rural and underserved areas – this financial burden is unmanageable with our already constrained budgets, limited resources and competing priorities. Most significantly, however, is the reality that local taxpayers will not only bear the burden of increased infrastructure costs, but our residents will also face the safety hazards associated with putting heavier trucks on county roads and bridges.  

NACo Advocacy

Recognizing these impacts, NACo is at the forefront of opposing this legislation, working diligently with our partners to educate Capitol Hill members and staff on our concerns ahead of key pieces of legislation, such as Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations. Notable advocacy milestones include:

Take Action: Urge your congressional leaders to oppose legislation to increase the size and weight of heavy trucks and prioritize the safety of our local roads and bridges.  

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