6/20/06-A bill that was intended to ease congestion on the Greater New Orleans Mississippi River bridges on U.S. 90 has died.
Sponsored by Sen. Derrick Shepherd, D-Marrero, SB97 was in the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee when the session ended June 19, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill originally called for increasing the per-axle fee for toll tag users from 20 cents to 40 cents on the Crescent City Connection. It also exempted drivers from paying tolls between midnight and 7 a.m.
Sen. Derrick Shepherd, D-Marrero, amended his bill to reduce the proposed toll-free period to the peak drive hours of 7 to 9 a.m. weekdays.

5/30/06-The Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee approved a bill that is intended to ease congestion on the Greater New Orleans Mississippi River bridges on U.S. 90.
Sponsored by Sen. Derrick Shepherd, D-Marrero, SB97 was amended in the panel to reduce the proposed toll-free period to the peak drive hours of 7 to 9 a.m.
The bill originally called for increasing the per-axle fee for toll tag users from 20 cents to 40 cents on the bridges, dubbed the Crescent City Connection. It also exempted drivers from paying tolls between midnight and 7 a.m.
The amended version would decrease toll revenue on the bridges by about $2.2 million annually.
It has been sent to the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee for further consideration.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

4/4/06-A bill in the Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee would boost certain fees for cars and large trucks to cross the Greater New Orleans Mississippi River bridges on U.S. 90.
Sponsored by Sen. Derrick Shepherd, D-Marrero, SB97 would increase from 20 cents an axle to 40 cents an axle what toll tag users pay to cross the Greater New Orleans bridges, dubbed the Crescent City Connection.
Most large truck drivers with toll tags would pay $2 – up from $1 – while truckers without tags would continue to pay $2.50 to cross the span. Cars with tags would pay 80 cents to cross while non-tagged cars would still pay $1.
All tolls on the bridge would be removed from midnight to 7 a.m.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.