Louisiana

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7/13/07-Gov. Kathleen Blanco signed a bill into law that authorizes the creation of the Ouachita Expressway Authority.
The new law, previously HB626, allows the expressway authority to sell bonds to build a fourth bridge over the river separating Monroe and West Monroe. The authority also would have power to levy a tax to help pay for the bridge project that will link state Route 143 with U.S. 165.
Voters would need to approve the tax increase.
The bill gives the authority power to borrow money and dedicate revenues to paying off bonds without requiring voter approval.
The authority also will have the ability to take land by eminent domain and acquire land by negotiation with landowners. It will be subject to all state public bid and ethics laws.

7/2/07-The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would authorize the creation of the Ouachita Expressway Authority. The House then signed off on changes to the bill clearing the way for it to head to Gov. Kathleen Blanco's desk.
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe, HB626 would allow the expressway authority to sell bonds to build a fourth bridge over the Ouachita River separating Monroe and West Monroe. A Senate change to the bill would give the authority power to levy a tax to help pay for the bridge project that will link state Route 143 with U.S. 165.
Voters would need to approve the tax increase.
The bill would give the authority power to borrow money and dedicate revenues to paying off bonds without requiring voter approval.
The authority also would have the ability to take land by eminent domain and acquire land by negotiation with landowners. It would be subject to all state public bid and ethics laws.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

6/5/07-A bill in the Senate Local and Municipal Affairs Committee would authorize the creation of the Ouachita Expressway Authority. The House already approved it.
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe, HB626 would allow the authority to sell bonds to build a fourth bridge over the river separating Monroe and West Monroe. It also would be authorized to accept state and federal funds and to sell revenue bonds to pay for the bridge project that will link state Route 143 with U.S. 165.
The bill would give the authority power to borrow money and dedicate revenues to paying off bonds. The authority also would have the ability to take land by eminent domain and acquire land by negotiation with landowners. It would be subject to all state public bid and ethics laws.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/31/07-The House unanimously approved a bill that would authorize the creation of the Ouachita Expressway Authority. It has been forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
Sponsored by Rep. Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe, HB626 would allow the authority to sell bonds to build a fourth bridge over the river separating Monroe and West Monroe. It also would be authorized to accept state and federal funds and to sell revenue bonds to pay for the bridge project that will link state Route 143 with U.S. 165.
The bill would give the authority power to borrow money and dedicate revenues to paying off bonds.
The authority also would have the ability to take land by eminent domain and acquire land by negotiation with landowners. It would be subject to all state public bid and ethics laws.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the Senate.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.