3/28/07-A bill in the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee would give local governments more power in decisions about toll roads.
Sponsored by Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, SB668 would allow local elected officials to vote before toll revenues from one road can be used on any other road or transportation project. Officials also would be required to vote before toll projects can be sold to, or built by, private and/or foreign groups.
Another provision in the bill would allow local jurisdictions to recoup money they put into road projects that later became toll roads.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.

2/16/07-Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, has introduced a bill that would give local governments more power in decisions about toll roads.
SB668 would allow local elected officials to vote before toll revenues from one road can be used on any other road or transportation project. Officials also would be required to vote before toll projects can be sold to, or built by, private and/or foreign groups.
Another provision in the bill would allow local jurisdictions to recoup money they put into road projects that later became toll roads.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182. In Texas, call 1-877-824-7038.
An identical House bill - HB1574 - also is awaiting assignment to committee.