Mississippi

---

4/24/07-Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill into law that allows tolls to be placed along some roads and bridges.
The new law, previously SB2375, authorizes the Mississippi Department of Transportation, 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. Local governments also would be allowed to use bonds to finance toll projects.
The bill doesn't spell out specific toll charges. That would be determined by MDOT.
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.

3/29/07-The Legislature approved a bill that would create tolls along some roads and bridges.
A group of leading House and Senate lawmakers met in a conference committee last week to hammer out a deal before the regular session wrapped up April 1. The agreed-upon version of the bill now heads to Gov. Haley Barbour's desk where it is expected to be signed into law.
SB2375 would authorize the Mississippi Department of Transportation, 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. Local governments also would be allowed to use bonds to finance toll projects.
The bill doesn't spell out specific toll charges. That would be determined by MDOT.
It also would mandate 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 bill status, call (601) 359-3719.

2/5/07-The Senate voted 51-1 to approve a bill that would create tolls along some roads and bridges in the state. The bill has been forwarded to the House.
Sponsored by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, SB2375 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. Local governments also would be allowed to use bonds to finance toll projects.
SB2375 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 a project were paid off, that toll would be removed.
For bill status, call (601) 359-3719.

1/22/07-A bill offered by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, would create tolls along some roads and bridges in the state.
SB2375 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 doesn't spell out specific toll charges. That would be determined by MDOT.
The measure 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 a project were paid off, that toll would be removed.
SB2375 is in the Senate committees on Highways and Transportation and Finance. For bill status, call (601) 359-3719.
Identical bills - HB351 and HB917 - are in committee.