As the new administration begins its work in Washington, several solid proposals have come forward, with this post focusing on a concept that would greatly help the logging industry in the region.

De Pere Congressman Tony Wied recently wrote newly confirmed Transportation Secretary (and former Wisconsin Congressman) Sean Duffy, asking that he consider taking steps that would remedy a mismatch between the weight restrictions on state and federal roads, that forces logging trucks to have to take riskier routes on non interstates that could result in more accidents, unneeded fuel consumption, and damage to the roads (letter HERE).

That’s a pretty reasonable request during a time where leaders on all levels of government are trying to send a message that despite the changes, progress is still being made.

And transportation is such a terrific field to get started in. Many existing initiatives are bipartisan, and benefit a trucking industry that is grueling enough as is.

This idea isn’t even new to Northeast Wisconsin. Wied’s predecessor tried to get this done years back, but as we all know, it was a different administration and the world was still trying to recover from a pandemic (story HERE).

Now appears to be the time to get this done.

We’ve got a house member, a transportation secretary, and an administration in the White House that could all line up and take these steps that would turbo charge important industries here at home.

The next year will be so important in the minds of Wisconsinites. Taking steps to gain momentum in common sense areas such as this one, will go a long way in taking us in the right direction.