3/8/06-A bill has died that would have authorized the Mississippi Transportation Commission, county boards of supervisors and city officials to contract with private industry to construct roads and bridges and collect tolls to pay off the work.
HB408 remained in the House Transportation Committee at the deadline for House bills to advance to the full House.
The bill didn’t spell out specific toll charges. That would be determined by MDOT.
The bill would have 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 would have mandated that alternative routes be available so drivers can avoid paying the tolls. Once the bonds for the project are paid off, the toll would have been removed.
A similar Senate bill – SB2171 – met the same fate.

1/9/06-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would authorize the Mississippi Transportation Commission, county boards of supervisors and city officials to contract with private industry to construct roads and bridges and collect tolls to pay off the work.
HB408, sponsored by Rep. William Miles, D-Fulton, doesn’t spell out specific toll charges. That would be determined by MDOT.
The bill would require 20 percent of a county’s electorate or 1,500 voters, whichever is less, to call for a referendum on any project.
It also would mandate 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.
For bills status, call (601) 359-3719.
A similar bill – SB2171 – is in the Senate committees on Highways and Transportation and Finance.