6/11/04-A bill that would have permitted private companies to partner with the state on roadway projects has died.
H1027 was awaiting a vote before the full House when the session ended April 30, effectively killing it for the year.
A similar bill – S1456 – however, passed the House and Senate in late April and has been forwarded to Gov. Jeb Bush.

4/22/04-A proposal in the House Appropriations Committee would permit private companies to partner with the state on roadway projects.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ron Reagan, R-Bradenton, said the provision would help facilitate projects, such as “reversible lane” toll roads, that let drivers pay a premium to use special lanes to bypass congestion.
Giving private companies authority to add onto Florida’s highways isn’t a new concept. The state passed a law in 1991 allowing them to construct toll roads or passenger rail services that would help alleviate highway backups, although the state Transportation Department kept some oversight for those projects.
His bill – H1027 – authorizes FDOT to form partnerships with companies interested in building or adding to roads. The agency would supply some of the necessary resources to make the projects work.
The contract with private industry would likely add to the number of lanes across the state while allowing companies to collect tolls to pay of their investment.
Under the bill, the roads would have to fall within FDOT’s existing five-year plans.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.