Backup Documents 05/25/2010 Item #1515C
Patricia L. Morgan
From: wight_d [DeborahWight @colliergov.net]
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 2:39 PM
To: 'Charlie.Crist @MyFlorida.com'
Cc: DLCOMM, ochs_I; TorreJohn; Klatzkow, Jeff; Keith Arnold; Brett Bacot, Patricia L. Morgan;
Feder _N; Casa languidaNick
Subject: Please VETO HB 1271 Transportation
Attachments: 05.25.10 Coyle letter to Gov Crist re FIB 1271 Veto.pdf
Importance: High
The Office of the Honorable Governor Charlie Crist,
Please find attached a letter on behalf of the Collier County Board of County Commissioners from
Chairman Fred W. Coyle who is requesting that Gov. Crist please veto House Bill 1271 that
includes provisions allowing heavier truck weights on roads. The Board's concerns are about
public safety, as well as the impact on expensive infrastructure.
If you need any additional information, Commissioner Coyle would welcome questions.
Thank you.
- Debbie Wight
Assistant to the County Manager
239.252.8113 office
239.289.4214 cell
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Board of Collier County Commissioners
Donna Fiala Frank Halas Tom Henning Fred W. Coyle Jim Colette
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
May 25, 2010
The Honorable Charlie Crist, Governor
State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399 -0001
Re: Veto Request of House Bill 1271 -- Relating to Transportation
Dear Govemor Crist:
The Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1271 Relating to Transportation on April 29 and presented the
legislation to you on May 21, allowing you until June 5 to act. The bill includes provisions that increase
the maximum allowable truck weights from 80,000 to 88,000 pounds (Sections 13 and 14). Not only are
heavier trucks dangerous to our motoring public, but the increased weight of the trucks causes damage to
road and bridge infrastructure.
According to a fiscal impact analysis by the rlorido Department of Transportation, increasing the legal
load to 88,000 pounds would require local and state govcmments to spend an additional $150.7 million
annually to compensate for the infrastructure damage that would result from heavier trucks. ']'his includes
money for pavement resurfacing, bridge maintenance and additional bridge replacement. Collier County is
already struggling with existing road and bridge maintenance obligations. The passage of this bill would
further erode efforts to nvintain safe and efficient infrastructure.
There are also traffic safety issues to consider. According to "Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety,"
large trucks account for a disproportionate share of traffic deaths based on miles traveled. The fatal crash
rate for large trucks is 2.4 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled - more than 50 percent greater than
the rate for all vehicles on the roads. In two - vehicle crashes involving passenger vehicles and large
trucks, 98 percent of the fatalities were occupants of the passenger vehicle,
Governor Crist, House Bill 1271 threatens public safety and jeopardizes expensive infrastructure. The
Collier County Corrunissioners are unanimous in their request that you veto House Bill 1271.
1 would be happy to address any questions you or your staff might have regarding Collier County's position
on this legislation.
Sincerely, 1 -, r nip
FredCh> ant` X
Board of County Commissions .
Trccic0yle6i_cALIlicrem.. net
FWC
C: Board of County Commissioners
Leo B. Ochs, Jr., County Manager
Jeffrey Klatzkow, County Attorney
W. Harmon Tumor Building • 3301 East Tamiami Trail • Naples, Florida 34112.239- 252 -8097 • FAX 239- 252.3602