5/17/04-A bill that would authorize the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges in the state has died.
SB855, sponsored by Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin, was contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the Missouri Constitution to give the commission the authority to build and operate toll roads.
It remained in the Senate Transportation Committee at the close of the session May 14.

1/15/04-A bill that would authorize the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges has been forwarded to the Senate Transportation Committee.
The issue is expected to be a priority during the legislative session that started Jan. 7.
SB855, sponsored by Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin, is contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment.
The Missouri Constitution currently doesn’t allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there are still obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.
Congress is considering eliminating the restriction as it finalizes its transportation-spending bill.
For Senate bill status, call (573) 751-3824.

12/18/03-Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin, has filed legislation in the Senate that would authorize the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges.
The issue is expected to be a priority during the legislative session that starts Jan. 7.
SB855 is contingent upon the approval of a constitutional amendment.
The Missouri Constitution currently doesn’t allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there are still obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.
Congress is considering eliminating the restriction as it finalizes its transportation-spending bill.
A similar bill – HB857 – has been filed in the House.