The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and its partners are expanding the Healthy Forest Initiative.
The initiative allows timber industry trucks to haul up to 90,800 pounds on nine state routes between the city of Payson and New Mexico. The expansion extends that area north to cities of Winslow and Holbrook and west to the city of Camp Verde.
Trucks will be permitted to haul up to 91,000 pounds starting Jan. 1 if the vehicle has a sixth axle.
The trucks deliver their cargo to sawmills, pellet plants and similar facilities in the White Mountains.
The goal of the initiative is to reduce the risk of wildfires. Easing weight restrictions allows timber companies to remove small trees and other vegetation that fuel fires.
“Overgrowth in our forests contributes to the destruction from wildfires around the state,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Through this innovative collaboration, ADOT has worked from a transportation perspective to help promote forest health, support commerce and protect infrastructure.”
The initiative supports 190 jobs and generates $221 million for the regional economy.
ADOT partners include the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the timber-hauling industry, the Salt River Project, the Arizona Eastern Counties Organization and the Arizona Commerce Authority.