U.S. May Reopen Roads to Mexican Trucks by June, LaHood Says
Federal Stimulus Plan Helping to Create Jobs, Secretary Says
Tom Biery/Trans Pixs
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the United States could reopen its roads to Mexican trucks as soon as next month, Bloomberg reported.
Speaking at a luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington, LaHood said that Mexico’s levying of billions in tariff’s in response to Congress’ decision to bar the vehicles has put a huge burden on American producers, Bloomberg reported.
The secretary also said that federal stimulus money is helping to create jobs and economic recovery, and that DOT has not yet made a decision on whether to back an increase in federal truck weight limits.
DOT set up a pilot program in 2007 under the Bush administration to allow a limited number of Mexican trucks beyond a border zone, and LaHood said he will bring up the issue to Congress after lawmakers return from next week’s recess, Bloomberg reported.
In March, Mexico applied about $2.4 billion in tariffs on 90 U.S. products in retaliation for the U.S. suspending the program. (Click here for previous coverage.)