123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 2209		LR 3477(03)
	An Act To Amend the Axle Weight Laws for Trucks Transporting Unprocessed Agricultural Products and Forest Products
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "     "
	Committee: Transportation
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Potential current biennium cost increase - Highway Fund Potential current biennium revenue decrease - Federal Expenditures Fund Current biennium revenue decrease - Highway Fund
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
	This bill allows an axle weight limit exception for vehicles transporting unprocessed agricultural products or forest products.  This exception will reduce the number of overweight truck violations and result in an undetermined reduction in Highway Fund fine revenue beginning in fiscal year 2008-09.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	The Department of Transportation indicates that allowing certain vehicles to exceed the axle weight limits and axle weight tolerance restrictions could result in a significant fiscal impact due to additional highway and bridge deterioration.  Additional pavement wear and tear could be millions of dollars per year and bridge remaining service life could be decreased.  The Department indicates that additional highway and bridge postings may be necessary to protect asset serviceability.  Additionally, capital projects may be deferred to cover the additional cost.
	The bill as written would exceed the Federal weight limits specified within the United States Code Title 23 for the portion of the Maine Turnpike designated Interstate 95 and 495 and that portion of Interstate 95 from the southern terminus of the Maine Turnpike to the New Hampshire state line.   The Federal Highway Administration indicates that because of this the bill could result in the withholding of Maine's National Highway Apportionment, which is approximately $29 million per year.