Tennessee

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7/10/07-Gov. Phil Bredesen signed a bill into law that authorizes tolling as a method to pay for new road and bridge work in the state.
The "Tennessee Tollway Act" allows the state to issue bonds and incur debt to pay for two pilot toll projects: one bridge and one road. For the bridge project, officials are considering a six-mile stretch of road and bridge northeast of Nashville.
SB1152 won widespread support in the statehouse. The Senate voted 20-10 to approve the bill and House lawmakers followed suit on a 72-21 vote.
The new law allows tolls "as an additional and alternative method" to pay for highway work. It doesn't specify toll roads or rates.
Any further toll projects would first have to face public hearings, environmental studies and legislative approval.

6/13/07-The House and Senate approved a bill that would authorize tolling as a method to pay for new road and bridge work in the state. It now heads to Gov. Phil Bredesen's desk for his signature.
The proposed "Tennessee Tollway Act" would allow the state to issue bonds and incur debt to pay for two pilot toll projects: one bridge and one road. Any further toll projects would first have to face public hearings, environmental studies and legislative approval.
Sponsored by Sen. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, SB1152 doesn't specify toll roads or rates.
Removed from the bill was a provision that would have allowed private groups to build and operate the toll routes. Another provision left off the bill would have allowed existing lanes to become toll lanes.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.

5/16/07-The Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill that would authorize tolling as a method to pay for new road and bridge work in the state.
The proposed "Tennessee Tollway Act" would allow the state to issue bonds and incur debt to pay for toll projects. Private groups also would be allowed to build and operate the "pay-to-play" routes.
Sponsored by Sen. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, SB1152 was amended in committee to allow tolls "as an additional and alternative method" to pay for one highway and one bridge project. It doesn't specify toll roads or rates.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.

4/26/07-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would authorize tolling as a method to pay for new road and bridge work in the state.
The proposed "Tennessee Tollway Act" would allow the state to issue bonds and incur debt to pay for toll projects. Private groups also would be allowed to build and operate the "pay-to-play" routes.
Sponsored by Sen. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, SB1152 would allow tolls "as an additional and alternative method" to pay for highway work. It doesn't specify toll roads or rates.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.
The companion bill - HB1204 - is in the House Ways and Means Committee.

3/12/07-A bill in the Senate Government Operations Committee would authorize tolling as a method to pay for road and bridge work in the state.
Sponsored by Sen. Diane Black, R-Nashville, the proposed "Tennessee Tollway Act" would allow the state to issue bonds and incur debt to pay for toll projects. Private groups also would be allowed to build and operate the pay-to-play routes.
SB1152 doesn't specify toll roads or rates. But it allows tolls "as an additional and alternative method" to pay for highway work.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee. For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.

3/7/07-Sen. Diane Black, R-Nashville, has introduced a bill that would authorize tolling as a method to pay for road and bridge work in the state.
The proposed "Tennessee Tollway Act" would allow the state to issue bonds and incur debt to pay for toll projects. Private groups also would be allowed to build and operate the pay-to-play routes.
SB1152 doesn't specify toll roads or rates. But it allows tolls "as an additional and alternative method" to pay for highway work.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.
An identical House bill - HB1204 - is in committee.