Senator Ron Johnson Introduces Safe Routes Act of 2019

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Forest Resources Association (FRA) applauds Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) for the introduction of the Senate companion legislation to the Safe Routes Act of 2019. Congressman Gallagher (WI-8) introduced similar legislation in the Houses on May 1, 2019.

"The Safe Routes Act will allow log trucks to access the safer Interstate Highway System for a short distance at legal state vehicle weights and configurations. Nearly 30 states with viable logging sectors will realize the safety benefits of this legislation," said Deb Hawkinson, FRA President.

The Safe Routes Act would allow trucks hauling raw forest products access to the safer, better built, Interstate Highway System at legal state gross vehicle weights and configurations. "Logging businesses and the forest products industry value the safety of their workers. This access to the interstate will allow trucks to avoid interactions with pedestrians, school districts, urban areas, intersections, driveways, and on-coming traffic," said Hawkinson.

The Safe Routes Act of 2019 (H.R. 2453) was introduced by Congressman Gallagher in the House on May 1, 2019. The legislation would allow trucks transporting raw forest products access to the safer interstate up to 150 air miles from the timber harvest site to a storage or mill location at state legal truck weight limits and configurations. The legislation also has environmental benefits as less fuel would be used due to reduced braking and stopping on interstate routes.

"The Wisconsin logging community and forest products industry across the nation will realize the safety and environmental benefits from this legislation immediately when passed and signed into law," added Hawkinson.

The Forest Resources Association (FRA) represents the interests of nearly 300 organizations and businesses in the forest products industry. FRA members include forest landowners, suppliers, consuming mills, associated businesses, and state forestry associations. FRA has member representation in 48 states and 320 Congressional Districts.

SOURCE The Forest Resources Association