7/2/07-A bid to pump about $430 million more into transportation projects in Louisiana failed to win legislative approval during the recently completed regular session.
The House unanimously approved the bill but it later was rejected by the Senate Finance Committee on a 6-1 vote. Efforts to attach the legislation to other bills were thwarted mostly because of threats of vetoes by Gov. Kathleen Blanco.
HB722 sought to dedicate money now routed to the state general revenue fund to the highway improvement fund. The money comes from vehicle and parts sales tax revenues, mineral revenues and truck and trailer registrations.
Another $125 million from the highway fund would have been protected from diversion to other services, including retirement and other benefits to former state highway workers and traffic control assistance for the Louisiana State Police.
The added revenue would have started flowing into the highway fund in July 2008. It included a 2010 sunset provision to reassess the need to continue the diversion of funds.
The bulk of funds – 86 percent – would have been used for road work on the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s priority list. Large-scale projects and the ports would have split the remainder.
At least $50 million annually would have been earmarked for state highways that aren’t eligible for federal aid.

6/14/07-The House unanimously approved the bill that would dedicate more than $450 now routed to the state general revenue fund to the highway improvement fund. The money that now is routed to the general fund comes from vehicle and parts sales tax revenues, mineral revenues and truck registration fees.
Another $125 million from the highway fund would be protected from diversion to other services, including retirement and other benefits to former state highway workers and traffic control assistance for the State Police.
The added revenue would begin flowing into the highway fund in July 2008. It includes a 2010 sunset provision to reassess the need to continue the diversion of funds.
The bulk of funds – 86 percent – would be used for road work on the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s priority list. Large-scale projects and the ports would split the remainder.
At least $50 million annually would be earmarked for state highways that aren’t eligible for federal aid.
Sponsored by Rep. Roy Quezaire, D-Gonzalez, HB722 now heads to the Senate Finance Committee.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/24/07-A bill in the House Appropriations Committee would redirect money from the state treasury to transportation.
Sponsored by Rep. Roy Quezaire, D-Gonzalez, HB722 would direct more than $400 million annually from the state general revenue fund to the highway improvement fund. The money that now is routed to the general fund comes from vehicle and parts sales tax revenues, mineral revenues and truck registration fees.
Another $125 million from the highway fund would be protected from diversion to other services, including retirement and other benefits to former state highway workers and traffic control assistance for the State Police.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.
A similar bill – SB258 – is in the Senate Finance Committee.