Governor Brad Henry Lifts Some Load Regulations

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Gov. Brad Henry has issued an executive order waiving load regulations to help drought-weary farmers and ranchers get hay and other supplies. <br/><br/>The 90-day order also will make

Wednesday, August 16th 2006, 12:41 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Gov. Brad Henry has issued an executive order waiving load regulations to help drought-weary farmers and ranchers get hay and other supplies.

The 90-day order also will make it easier for firefighters to transport equipment to battle wildfires.

It waives road and licensing regulations for oversized vehicles that haul agricultural loads and firefighting equipment.

``We're doing everything we can to protect Oklahomans from wildfires and deliver relief to farmers and ranchers who are hurting because of the drought,'' Henry said. ``This executive order is just one small piece of the puzzle, but it will make it easier to deliver help to the areas that need it most.''

Besides expediting agriculture shipments within the state, the governor is working to cut through red tape that may hinder transports from surrounding states. At his direction, officials are working with their counterparts in other states in the region to encourage similar rule waivers on agriculture transports.

Although Oklahoma was recently granted a presidential drought declaration, the resulting federal relief has not been sufficient to meet all of the needs of state farmers and ranchers.