6/28/07-HB321 died in the Senate. A similar bill - HB531 - however, has moved to Gov. Kathleen Blanco's desk.
5/31/07-A bill in the Senate Finance Committee would supply funds to complete the state's portion of Interstate 49. The House already approved it.
Sponsored by Rep. Roy Burrell, D-Shreveport, HB321 calls for using $15 million annually from unclaimed property funds in the state. A one-time diversion of $30 million from the state's general fund also would be routed to the unclaimed property fund.
Unclaimed property funds are turned over to the state by businesses when the rightful private owners cannot be found.
All money would be split evenly to the north and south portions of I-49. Those stretches run north from Interstate 20 in Shreveport to the Arkansas line and south from Interstate 10 in Lafayette to the West Bank Expressway in New Orleans.
The bill mandates the money can only be spent with an appropriation by the Legislature.
It would allow the money to be used to match with federal funds or be bonded for construction purposes.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.
5/22/07-The House approved a bill that would supply funds to complete the state's portion of Interstate 49. It's been forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
Sponsored by Rep. Roy Burrell, D-Shreveport, HB321 calls for using $15 million annually from unclaimed property funds in the state. A one-time diversion of $30 million from the state's general fund also would be routed to the unclaimed property fund.
Unclaimed property funds are turned over to the state by businesses when the rightful private owners cannot be found.
All money would be split evenly to the north and south portions of I-49. Those stretches run north from Interstate 20 in Shreveport to the Arkansas line and south from Interstate 10 in Lafayette to the West Bank Expressway in New Orleans.
The bill mandates the money can only be spent with an appropriation by the Legislature.
It would allow the money to be used to match with federal funds or be bonded for construction purposes.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the Senate.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.
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