SANDPOINT — A proposal to run heavier lumber trucks through Bonner County will be the focus of a panel discussion today.

The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Columbia Plaza Auditorium, 414 North Church St.

The discussion is being hosted by the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council and panelists include Idaho Forest Group Vice President of Government Affairs Bob Boeh, LHTAC Executive Director Jeff Miles and Idaho Transportation Department staff.

Idaho Forest Group is requesting that certain routes in the Panhandle be opened to trucks weighing up to 129,000 pounds, which is 23,500 pounds above the current limit of 105,500. The company is seeking the designation to improve the efficiency of freight transportation to markets.

Idaho Forest Group contends the designation will translate into fewer loads, less fuel consumption and maintaining a competitive position with competition in neighboring states and Canada, according to the company’s application.

To that end, Idaho Forest Group is seeking the designation on the following routes:

n U.S. Highway 95 — From the Canadian border to the intersection of U.S. 95 and Interstate 90 in Coeur d’Alene

n State Highway 1 — To its intersection with U.S. 95 in Boundary County

n Intersection of U.S. 95 and U.S. 2 in Boundary County to the Montana state line

n From the intersection of U.S. 95 and Highway 200 in Ponderay to the intersection of U.S. 2 and Highway 41 in Oldtown, in addition to U.S. 2 to the Washington state line

n Riley Creek Road — From U.S. 2 to the IFG mill in Bonner County

n East Roosevelt — From U.S. to the Idaho Forest Group mill in Boundary County

The meeting is being held to acquaint city officials in North Idaho with the proposal and with the approval process.

The Idaho Legislature in 2013 authorized the use of annual permits on the state transportation system for the movement of loads that exceed current limits.