Arlington, Va. – Leaders of American Trucking Associations praised Chairman John Mica, and other House leaders, for their work to craft a surface transportation bill that will not only make needed improvements to our nation’s highway system, but will also make that system safer for trucks and cars.

“This bill,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said, “is a major step forward, not just for trucking, but for all users of our transportation system. From reforming how projects are delivered and refocusing the federal highway program on issues of national interest, like freight movement, Chairman Mica has laid the groundwork for significant improvements in how Americans travel.

Read more: ATA Leaders Say House Highway Bill Will Improve Safety, Infrastructure

On Thursday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will mark up the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act.

With the strong support from ATA, the legislation:

• Increases the minimum trailer length limit from 48 to 53 feet
• Requires states to allow the operation of 33-foot doubles at a gross weight not exceeding 80,000 pounds
• Allows States to authorize the operation of 6-axle tractor-trailer combinations with a gross weight of up to 97,000 pounds
• Allows States that currently permit the operation of longer combination vehicles to add additional routes for their operation
• Requires States to allow auto haulers to operate with a gross weight of up to 88,000 pounds and an overall length, for stinger-steered combinations, of no less than 80 feet; and
• Allows States to issue special permits for overweight vehicles for the delivery of relief supplies in response to a major disaster or emergency.

Read more: WVTA Members Take Action Now! Call the Members of the T&I Committee Today

A new website unveiled by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin at the state Capitol on Wednesday aims to assist military members returning from deployment and veterans find employment, health benefits and further their education.

The website, www.wvmilitaryconnection.org, is the result of a number of agencies coming together to help military members, Tomblin said.

Read more: Website Helps Military Members Find Employment