HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 24850 OPPOSE ALL FEDERAL LEGISLATION THAT INCREASES MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COMMERCIAL TRUCK SIZE OR WEIGHT P.R. NO. 24850
03/13/2026 THE/RPC
RESOLUTION No.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS,TO OPPOSE ALL FEDERAL
LEGISLATION THAT INCREASES MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COMMERCIAL TRUCK SIZE OR
WEIGHT; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (REQUESTED BY COUNCILMEMBER HAMILTON
EVERFIELD)
WHEREAS,the City of Port Arthur,Texas, ("City") is concerned with the public safety and welfare of
residents and visitors to our community, as well as the cost, quality, and reliability of the City's
infrastructure, especially local bridges;and
WHEREAS, longer double-trailer commercial trucks across the National Highway System would
further endanger motorists and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) concluded that
multi-trailer trucks have an 11-pervicent higher fatal crash rate that single trailer trucks; and
WHEREAS, allowing heavier or longer trucks on the National Highway System would threaten the
safety of the traveling public because heavier and longer trucks would be more difficult to control,
increase wear and tear on truck safety systems such as brakes, steering, and tires, and increase
crash severity;and
WHEREAS,the City is concerned with the safety of its residents and visitors who travel the same roads
and highways as these bigger and heavier trucks; and
WHEREAS, according to the most recent data by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(FMCSA),there was a 41.4%increase in fatal crashes involving commercial trucks in Texas between
2012 to 2022; and
WHEREAS, previously proposed federal legislation to increase maximum allowable truck size and
weight were unfunded mandates leaving local municipalities like Port Arthur and its taxpayers to bear
the financial burden for infrastructure damage caused by these bigger and heavier trucks;and
WHEREAS, the State of Texas has 1,827 local bridges at risk with 91,000-pound trucks with a
replacement costs of$972,982,248;and
WHEREAS, Port Arthur residents are highly dependent on multiple roadways all of which are already
heavily impacted by truck size and weight, including IH-10, Texas State Highway 96, Texas State
Highway 73,Texas State Highway 82, and Texas State Highway 87;and
WHEREAS, Port Arthur elected and professional officials realize economic vitality is enhanced by
traffic mitigation strategies and understand that truck traffic will end up on local roads in transit,as
well.
Now THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the facts and above recitals are true and correct and hereby incorporated for all
purposes.
SECTION 2. That the City of Port Arthur,Texas opposes any legislation that increases maximum
allowable truck size or weight at the federal and state level and encourages our federal and state
delegations to oppose any and all current and future related legislation.
SECTION 3. That the City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to send letters to the City's federal
and state legislators in substantially the same form as attached in Exhibit 1.
SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately from and after the date of passage and is
so resolved.
SECTION 5. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes of the
City Council.
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED, this 24th day of March, 2026 AD, at a Regular Meeting of the City
Council of the City of Port Arthur,Texas by the following vote:AYES:
Mayor: •
Councilmembers: •
•
NOES:
Charlotte M. Moses, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Roxann Pais Cotroneo,JD, City Attorney Ronald Burton, CPM, City Manager
EXHIBIT 1
The Honorable John Cornyn, III
United States Senate
517 Hart Senate Office
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Cornym,
On behalf of the citizens of Port Arthur, Texas, we stand with the National League of Cities, local elected
officials,law enforcement,and emergency responders from across the state of Texas in opposing all federal
legislation to increase truck size and weight on our nation's highways.An increase in truck size and weight
places not only our fellow Texas in danger but also our community's infrastructure.
Please find enclosed the City of Port Arthur,Texas Resolution No. indicating Port Arthur's opposition to
any increase in truck size and weight.We respectfully request that you oppose this legislation should it come
before you in the future.
Sincerely,
Charlotte M. Moses
Mayor
Enclosure