3/5/07-SB239 - a bill that would allow a private group to build and operate a toll route through five counties neighboring Indianapolis - has died. The provision, however, remains in another bill - SB1 - which the Senate advanced to the House.

1/19/07-A bill in the Senate Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Affairs Committee would allow a private group to build and operate a toll route through five counties neighboring Indianapolis. The proposed 75-mile Indiana Commerce Connector would link Interstate 69 northeast of the city with Interstate 70 to the southwest.
Sponsored by Sen. Thomas Wyss, R-Fort Wayne, SB239 would clear the state to get money upfront and use it to help build the planned extension of I-69 through southern Indiana.
The bill would also transfer the legal authority to collect tolls from the I-69 project to Gov. Mitch Daniels' proposed connector project. Tolling authority for I-69 from Evansville to Martinsville was part of the Republican governor's Major Moves legislation from 2006 that included privatizing the Indiana Toll Road.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.