8.h Mayor's Report 7-16-19 truck weight and length0 Lie 111 rNiA
m i n n e s o t a
July 16, 2019
Dear Members of Congress,
As members of the Scandia City Council, we would like to express our concern with proposals to
increase weight and length of semi -trucks on our roadways and ask that you oppose relevant
legislation due to the substantial safety and infrastructure concerns associated with bigger trucks.
Scandia and the surrounding region have a high amount of truck traffic, and our office is very
familiar with the infrastructure impacts they have. While trucks are a critical part of our
economy, proposals to increase weight would significantly increase the risks associated with
their operation.
In 2016 the USDOT finished a comprehensive study of the issue, ultimately recommending
against raising truck weights on interstates and federal highways due to substantially increased
bridge damage, pavement damage and higher crash rates. If Federal roads, which are built to
higher standards, are not fit for these truck configurations, then they are not appropriate for state
and local roads.
As we work to maintain effective and safe infrastructure for our residents and local businesses,
we strongly urge your opposition to legislation that would increase truck size and weight.
Sincerely,
Christine Maefsky, Mayor
Chris Ness, Council Member
Steve Kronmiller, Council Member
Patti Ray, Council Member
Jerry Cusick, Council Member
14727 209" St. N., Scandia, Minnesota 55073
Phone (651) 433-2274 Fax (651) 433-5112 http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us
This letter should be sent to
Senator Tina Smith
Legislative Director- Gohar Sedighi
gohar—Sedighi@smith.senate.gov
720 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Legislative Director- Elizabeth Farrar
elizabeth—farrar@klobuchar.senate.gov
425 Dirksen Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
Congresswoman Betty McCollum
Legislative Director- Ben Peterson
ben.peterson@mail.house.gov
2256 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515