3/8/06-A bill has died that sought to create tolls along some roads and bridges in the state.
SB2171 remained in the House Transportation Committee at the deadline for Senate bills to advance to the full House. It passed the Senate in February.
Sponsored by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, the bill 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.
The bill didn’t spell out specific toll charges. That would have been determined by MDOT.
It 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 a project were paid off, that toll would have been removed.
A similar House bill – HB408 – met the same fate.

2/8/06-The Senate unanimously endorsed a bill Feb. 7 that 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. The bill now heads to the House.
Sponsored by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, SB2171 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 mandates that alternative routes be available so drivers can avoid paying the tolls. Once the bonds for a project were paid off, that toll would be removed.
For bills status, call (601) 359-3719.

1/9/06-A bill in the Senate committees on Highways and Transportation and Finance 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.
SB2171, sponsored by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, 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 – HB408 – is in the House Transportation Committee.