Gov. Gordon signs executive order to facilitate hay transport

Posted 9/30/21

Gov. Mark Gordon signed an executive order on Sept. 22 to allow motor carriers hauling hay in Wyoming to operate outside of regular operating hours and carry larger loads. 

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Gov. Gordon signs executive order to facilitate hay transport

Round bales of alfalfa sit in a field north of Powell, awaiting transportation.
Round bales of alfalfa sit in a field north of Powell, awaiting transportation.
Tribune photo by Carla Wensky
Posted

Gov. Mark Gordon signed an executive order on Sept. 22 to allow motor carriers hauling hay in Wyoming to operate outside of regular operating hours and carry larger loads. 

“Widespread drought conditions, low humidity and high temperatures have created a shortage of livestock feed in Wyoming,” the order says.

Approximately 33% of Wyoming’s land area is currently affected by moderate drought conditions, the order continues, with an additional 64% affected by severe or extreme drought conditions.

“Due to these drought conditions, pasture grass and natural feed supplies are depleted in many parts of the state, resulting in inadequate forage for Wyoming’s livestock,” the order says. “... easing of oversize baled livestock feed transportation restrictions is necessary to provide assistance tp drought stricken areas.”

Oversize loads of baled livestock feed qualifying for a permit may now operate two hours before sunrise and two hours after sunset with a valid permit. The permit also authorizes oversize baled livestock feed loads up to 12 feet in width or 15 feet in height. 

Additional lighting requirements must also be adhered to for the safety of drivers. The permits are valid for movements of baled livestock feed to a destination within Wyoming, or a destination in another state that has declared an emergency for livestock feed. 

The executive order does not grant authority for any vehicle to exceed weight limits, posted bridge limits, or size restrictions on any road. 

Permits can be obtained from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and must be carried for the duration of the permit and throughout the emergency. The executive order expires on Nov. 30.

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