Wisconsin Ag Connection - Exec. Order Eases Restrictions for Forage Transport to Drought States

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Exec. Order Eases Restrictions for Forage Transport to Drought States
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/17/2017

Gov. Scott Walker signed an executive order on Wednesday declaring a 30-day state of emergency for the purpose of transporting loads of forage to drought-stricken states that need feed for livestock. The designation allows trucks to move baled hay, straw cornstalks, or stover used for feed to Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

"Wisconsin farmers are generously offering to donate their forage to help out farm families in these states, and this order will allow them to transport their donations through the state more easily while still maintaining safety," Walker said. "They want to do their part to help their neighbors, and the state is going to its part, too."

As part of the order, interstate and intrastate motor carriers providing direct assistance for the transportation of feed are relieved from the requirements contained in state and federal motor safety regulations. In addition, Interim Ag Secretary Jeff Lyon has determined that an agricultural emergency exists; and Transportation Secretary Dave Ross has authorized the issuance of agricultural emergency permits to allow certain over-width and height vehicles to transport forage on highways within Wisconsin.

The DOT is also issuing general permits allowing transportation of forage on highways within Wisconsin, but excluding the interstate system in excess of the weight limitations. These permits authorize weights not more than 90,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, if the vehicle is in combination and combination has five or more axles; or not more than 10-percent greater than the gross axle weight and axle combination weight limitations, and not more than 15-percent greater than the gross weight vehicle limitations.

Meanwhile, a fee that's normally required to obtain 72-hour trip permits for vehicles traveling into Wisconsin that are not registered in the state has also been waived.

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