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OOIDA Call to Action - Missouri Members Attention: Missouri truckers! You need to contact the sponsors of five proposals in the General Assembly that would convert some highways in the state to toll roads. The issue is expected to be a priority during the legislative session that started Jan. 7. Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, is sponsoring a proposed constitutional amendment - HJR31 - that would give the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads. Three similar measures - HJR34, SJR31 and SJR38 - are sponsored by Rep. Lanie Black, R-Charleston, Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin, and Sen. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, respectively. Three other proposals - HB857, SB855 and SB958 - also sponsored by Black, Loudon and Scott, would authorize the highway commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges. The measures are contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment. The state Transportation Department also has made toll roads a legislative priority for the upcoming session. MoDOT is looking at four primary tolling possibilities, including Interstates 70 and 44, the new bridge over the Mississippi River in St. Louis, a companion bridge for Kansas City's Paseo Bridge and the U.S. 71 Arkansas bypass in southwestern Missouri. In May 2002, the department completed its first phase of a toll road feasibility study. Estimated tolls included a $22.50 fee for commercial vehicles traveling Interstate 70 between Kansas City and St. Louis. Motorists would pay $10. The Missouri Constitution currently doesn't allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote. Contact information for each lawmaker proposing toll road initiatives: HJR31 HJR34 and HB857 Co sponsor: Rep. Gary Dusenberg, R-Blue Springs SJR31 and SB855 SJR38 and SB958 |
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© 2006 by OOIDA |