State Senator Gerald Long of Natchitoches drew applause from an audience of loggers in his home town of Winnfield on April 24, when he announced he has introduced Senate Bill 635 which provides, among other things, for raising the weight limit on log trucks to 100,000 pounds, the same limits as sugar cane and rice haulers enjoy in South Louisiana.

Long, addressing the annual seafood feast sponsored for members and families of the Louisiana Loggers Association in Winnfield, said also that the bill would transfer authority for enforcement of weights and other regulations from the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, under administers the Louisiana State Police.

"You will be treated with dignity," said Long, who grew up in Winnfield and represents the 31st Senatorial District comprised of Natchitoches, Sabine, Winn, Grant and parts of Rapides and Red River parishes.

Under SB 635, truckers would have 30 days to pay tickets, and the right to appeal any penalties. "You won't have your truck tied up for hours, while you're working to make a living," he told the appreciative audience, attending the final event of the annual Louisiana Forest Festival at the Winnfield Civic Center.

Truck weight limits, set at 86,000 pounds, and the enforcement by a special unit within the DOTD, have been unpopular with the logging industry.

SB 635 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works, chaired by Sen. Joe McPherson of Woodworth. Other members of the are Senators Dale Erdley of Livingston, Robert Adley of Benton, D.A. (Butch) Gautreaux of Morgan City, David Heitmeier of New Orleans, Willie Mount of Lake Charles, and B.L. (Buddy) Shaw of Shreveport.

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