5/5/04-The House killed a bill May 4 that would have allowed referendums on toll road projects in the state.
House lawmakers voted 60-60 to reject the toll bill after opponents said it would hurt poor residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where officials want to build a toll road linking Interstate 10 to the Port of Gulfport. The revenue measure needed 72 votes to pass.
SB2063, sponsored by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, earlier passed the Senate. Representatives, however, voted to reject a compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiators.
It authorized the Mississippi Transportation Commission, county boards of supervisors and governing boards of municipalities to contract with private industry in the state to construct toll roads and bridges and collect the toll to pay off the investment.
Supporters of the bill want to charge tolls to pay for the proposed $300 million, seven-mile road connecting I-10 and the port.
The bill required 20 percent of a county’s electorate or 1,500 voters, whichever is less, to call for a referendum on any project. It also required that alternate, nonpaying routes be in place before toll roads are established.

4/9/04-The House adopted legislation April 8 that would allow referendums on toll road projects in the state.
House lawmakers voted 106-13 to advance the toll bill. The Senate already has passed it.
Minor differences between the two chambers are likely to be sent to a House-Senate conference committee where a final version of legislation would be written.
SB2063, sponsored by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, authorizes the Mississippi Transportation Commission, county boards of supervisors and governing boards of municipalities to contract with private industry in the state to construct toll roads and bridges and collect the toll to pay off the investment.
The bill requires 20 percent of a county’s electorate or 1,500 voters, whichever is less, to call for a referendum on any project.
It also requires that alternate, nonpaying routes be in place before toll roads are established.
For bill status, call (601) 359-3719.

4/1/04-Senate lawmakers have given their approval to legislation that would create tolls along some roads and bridges in Mississippi. The proposal is intended to give the state another tool to raise revenues during a tight budget year.
SB2063, introduced by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, authorizes the Mississippi Transportation Commission, county boards of supervisors and governing boards of municipalities to contract with private industry in the state to construct toll roads and bridges and collect the toll to pay off the investment.
The bill doesn’t spell out specific toll charges. That would be determined by MDOT.
It requires that alternative routes be available so drivers can avoid paying the tolls. Once the bonds for the project are paid off, the toll would be removed.
SB2063 has been forwarded to the House for consideration. For bill status, call (601) 359-3719.

1/27/04-A lawmaker is pushing legislation that would create tolls along some roads and bridges in the state. The proposal is intended to give the state another tool to raise revenues during a tight budget year.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, authorizes the Mississippi Transportation Commission, county boards of supervisors and governing boards of municipalities to contract with private industry in the state to construct toll roads and bridges and collect the toll to pay off the investment.
SB2063 will go before the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (601) 359-3719.