1/28/08-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would give the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads.
Sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, SJR31 would amend the Missouri Constitution.
The state constitution currently 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 are still 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 measure Jan. 24 but no vote was taken.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4633. In Missouri, call 1-800-877-5982.

12/10/07-Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, has proposed a state constitutional amendment – SJR31 – that would give the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission the authority to build and operate toll roads.
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 are still 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 resolution 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.