Gunter-area farmers who rely on red-dyed diesel for tractors can, for the time being, also use it in vehicles on public roads. Gov. Greg Abbott's statewide disaster proclamation, issued Sept. 28 in response to high diesel prices, suspends the state's restrictions and penalties on road use of the off-road fuel.
The order keeps the fuel tax in place, according to the governor's office, and lets trucks loaded with fuel, crops or timber operate at up to 95,000 pounds gross weight without separate permits. Oklahoma announced a similar 120-day pause the same day.
Grayson County Commissioner Josh Marr told KTEN the measure could benefit consumers by lowering shipping costs. He said the heavier loads may cause a little more damage to county roads but that the county can manage it.
