The House and Senate have until November 20 to conference a transportation bill. The short term extension ends on that date. Both bodies have approved long term six year measures with different funding components. National Grain and Feed Association Director of Economics and Government Relations Max Fisher says passing a long term measure will help shipments of ag commodities as well as give certainties to states for their infrastructure projects.
Fisher is hoping conferees will get moving right away on a final piece of legislation.
He was disappointed the SAFE amendment that would have allowed for heavier truck weights did not make it into the final package of either the House or Senate legislation. Fisher says they may try another stab at it next year.
Fisher says by having heavier truck weights it would make ag shipping more efficient and safer as well as provide consistency between federal and state highway regulations.