OOIDA Call to Action - Missouri Members
Jan. 7, 2004

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
Sponsor: Rep. Jeff Harris, D-Columbia
Capitol phone: (573) 751-9753
Email: rharris1@services.state.mo.us

HJR34 and HB857
Sponsor: Rep. Lanie Black, R-Charleston
Capitol phone: (573) 751-4560
Capitol fax: (573) 522-9201
Email: Lanie.Black@house.mo.gov or lgblack1230@aol.com

Co sponsor: Rep. Gary Dusenberg, R-Blue Springs
Capitol phone: (573) 751-1487
Email: Gary.Dusenberg@house.mo.gov

SJR31 and SB855
Sponsor: Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin
Capitol phone: (573) 751-9763
Capitol fax: (573) 522-3379

SJR38 and SB958
Sponsor: Sen. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City
Capitol phone: (573) 751-8793
Capitol fax: (573) 751-2745