Continuing drought conditions has sparked the Missouri Department of Transportation to waive a fee for overwidth hauling permits in response to an executive order Gov. Mike Kehoe signed last week declaring a drought alert.

The waiver is intended to help farmers and ranchers move hay as needed. Loads must still be of legal height, length and weight, the release said.

The blanket permit fee of $96 and single trip fee of $15 are waived for hay haulers through Dec. 1.

Before hauling, drivers must apply for the special overwidth hauling permit for loads that exceed 8 feet and 6 inches in width and map their route to avoid work zones, bridges and other areas that have weight, narrow-lane or height restrictions, according to the news release.