2005-04-04 Special Called Meeting in Conjunction with Excel Plant Managers and Other Potential Industry Representatives

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Page 2 A successful example they used was the Charleston, North Carolina area. Councilmember Barry Beasley inquired as to how they can get away with hauling larger loads on State and Federal Highways due to regulations: Exel responded they can cross county roads and avoid federal highways. Mayor Porter noted the concerns the City of La Porte has with the increased load limits. He noted this would add additional costs to the taxpayers of La Porte. He noted trucks now are already exceeding the current limits and an increase would result in an even greater problem. The increase in the loads, would result in increased infrastructure costs. Mayor further noted economics and safety our most important considerations. Phil Steelman noted reputable companies will not exceed the load limits. Vernon Schaefer noted many companies will move away and take their business to areas where they can avoid municipal regulations. They will even move out of the United States to avoid safety and E.P.A. issues. He futher noted that 25 metric tons is an international standard. If you get over this limit, no one is able to handle the load. Phil Steelman noted this bill got to the Legislature without a lot of data. He noted the data can and should be gathered for consideration. Mayor Porter asked whether or not this issue has been approached at the federal level? Phil Steelman responded that Federal matters govern bridges and all bridges would have to be rebuilt. That is why this is on a local level issue. Mayor Porter informed the group it is not the intention of the City of La Porte to run off any businesses. William E. Martin noted it is critical to keep plastics viable in the U.S. Councilmember Mike Mosteit noted a concern is the bill does not include any policy ability and we are currently limited with minimal D.O.T. regulations. He noted that industry must step forward and take control for us to be able to sell to our citizens. They are the people picking up the infrastructure costs. Mayor Porter/Barry Beasley noted this matter should have been discussed before the bill was introduced.