Posted Feb. 19, 2010
The Iowa Department of Transportation, in response to a letter from agricultural organizations, has decided to change a new policy regarding private livestock carriers that went into effect Feb. 1
DOT officials announced it will change its policy requiring private livestock carriers to have a federal DOT number for statistical tracking purposes in testimony before the Iowa Senate’s Transportation Committee this week. The policy was intended to allow the DOT to determine which carriers would be selected for safety audits as part of the DOT’s compliance review program.
A letter signed by leaders from seven different Iowa ag groups, including the Iowa Pork Producers Association, was sent to DOT Director Nancy Richardson Feb. 11 after it was learned the DOT had adopted the new policy.
“We were extremely disappointed that none of our organizations were given reasonable notice of this new administrative interpretation, which has been initiated without public notice or input from affected farmers or their organizations,” the letter stated.
The letter stated the farm organizations’ concerns and requested that the DOT follow the agency process for rulemaking that includes allowing public input.
“We believe it is essential to allow stakeholder involvement before implementing this administrative change,” the letter continued. “Our organizations encourage you to provide an official forum for discussion regarding these new DOT safety goals and enforcement strategies affecting Iowa’s farmers.”
The letter was signed by representatives of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and the Iowa State Dairy Association, in addition to IPPA.
On behalf of the state’s pork producers and private livestock haulers, IPPA appreciates the prompt response and thanks the DOT for acknowledging our request and taking a common sense approach for this policy.
IPPA will keep you apprised of further developments on this DOT policy.
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