1/28/08-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would enable the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges, specifically, on Interstate 70 between Kansas City and St. Louis.
Sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, SB793 is contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the state constitution.
Currently, the Missouri Constitution doesn’t allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there would still be obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.
The Transportation Committee discussed the bill Jan. 24 but no vote was taken.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4633. In Missouri, call 1-800-877-5982.

12/10/07-Legislation prefiled in the Senate would enable the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges, specifically, on Interstate 70 between Kansas City and St. Louis.
Sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, SB793 is contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the state constitution.
Currently, the Missouri Constitution doesn’t allow the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there would still be obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.
The measure is awaiting assignment to a committee. Lawmakers are scheduled to convene the 2007 session Jan. 9.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4633. In Missouri, call 1-800-877-5982.