The law changed the way heavy trucks are weighed. On July 1, the Department of Transportation “post” almost 200 new bridges. This limits the maximum weight and forces trucks with heavier loads or risks long-term damage to bridges. Each bridge has its own weight limit, so trucks may legally cross certain bridges while others are closed. Although hundreds of bridges that are older are still open to traffic, the new law has closed 450 bridges across the state. Additionally, more than 2,000 county and state bridges have been posted. The new law and ongoing bridge crisis are affecting the pockets of farmers and their companies in a state where agriculture is the highest-grossing industry. David Livingston, executive Director of the Mississippi Loggers Association which represents nearly 1,000 timber workers in the state, said that “it’s hurting us badly.” “Agriculture, timber, poultry, and agriculture in general — are what funds and drives the state. Livingston stated that even driving ten miles from the nearest bridge will cause financial hardship on many people. Loggers pay $2.00 per ton extra to drive 10 miles around one of these bridges. Mississippi’s trucks can carry up to 84,000 pounds across state bridges. However, the new law has limited 200 bridges that were previously open. Livingston stated, “Say that a bridge along the route of loggers has been posted (limited to 26 tons).” That’s $52 more freight. To make the trucks lighter and save 10 miles, add $52 to the freight. These costs multiply tenfold.” MDOT transportation officials joined representatives of the Federal Highway Administration (Of State Aid Roads) on Sept. 6, to meet with business and interest group leaders to discuss how the new law will affect them. Willie Huff (director of enforcement at MDOT) said that “we understand that each one of these posted bridges are an economic roadblock.” “But we must follow the law, it’s an economic roadblock, and it’s not our concern, and it’s also a public safety matter, which is why we are all concerned about public safety.” The new bridge postings were placed on major state and federal highways, which serve as key routes for the state’s industries. There are now dozens of bridges on every U.S. Highway that runs through the state, with the exception of federal interstate highways. More postings are made on smaller state highways, which serve as entry points for farms and timberlands. Mike McCormick of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation expressed concern that bridges recently posted might not be reopened for large trucks. Officials at MDOT said that bridges are evaluated on a case by case basis. McCormick stated, “You’re fixing the bridges many times and getting (smaller) vehicles over the top. But I’m paying an ad valorem Tax on my place to get lumber hauled up to market or grain transported to market.” “From a taxpayer perspective, I want to know how frequently this will happen. It’s not going up to the point where we can haul timber across it. MDOT officials opposed the legislation earlier this year. MDOT’s three Republican transportation commissioners attacked the law in statements made after it was implemented. Dick Hall, Transportation Commissioner, stated in July that MDOT had provided information to lawmakers about the possible fiscal consequences of this legislation. “This legislation is effectively restricting commerce, which Mississippi needs right now.” This effectively reduces commerce which Mississippi does not need right now.