×

Alcona road board opposes forestry bill

HARRISVILLE — A transportation bill introduced in the Michigan state Senate has the Alcona County Road Commission concerned about how it may affect local roads.

Introduced by state Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, the transportation bill known as Senate Bill 396 asks for leniency for forestry products being transported on county roads. Specifically, the bill asks that those products be exempt from height and weight restrictions of Michigan’s Vehicle Code. It also would exempt the owner of an oversized vehicle from liability if that vehicle was transporting forest products on a county road and collided with and damaged a lawfully-established bridge or viaduct.

“I think we need to make our legislators aware that we oppose this,” Alcona County Road Commissioner Theodore Somers said. “Otherwise, it is going to walk right through.”

The board discussed that, if changes like those proposed in Casperson’s bill are made for the forestry industry, other industries may also follow suit, causing major problems for county roads.

A state analysis of the bill’s impact states that it could have a minor negative financial impact on the Michigan Department of Transportation, but the Alcona Road Commission is concerned about how oversized vehicles could potentially damage local roads and what that means for repair costs that come out of local coffers.

“This strongly affects Alcona, because one-third of it is forest service lands and they have some large cuts for the next 10 years,” Managing Director Jesse Campbell said. “Also, Alcona is one of the only ones that runs seal coats over gravel.”

According to state records, the bill is supported by the Michigan Forest Products Council and the Michigan Association of Timbermen. Casperson told Great Lakes Radio News that the bill was necessary to allow loggers to continue hauling during seasonal weather shifts, when weight restrictions are placed on roadways.

While there is language that would allow county road commissions to require a $2,000 bond per mile traveled by unrestricted forestry vehicles, it does not make mention of such a requirement may be enforced.

The bill passed the state Senate Transportation Committee in September and is awaiting a vote in the full Senate.

The Alcona road board passed a resolution stating that members strongly oppose SB 396. They will send a copy of the resolution to the state Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, and state Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine –who represent Alcona County in the Legislature — along with the Alcona County Board of Commissioners.

Kaitlin Ryan can be reached at kryan@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 989-358-5693.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today