5/30/08-A bill has died that would have amended state law to allow more toll projects.
Sponsored by Rep. Phillip Pinion, D-Union City, HB2868 remained in the Senate Transportation Committee when the session ended, effectively killing it for the year. The House previously approved it.
Gov. Phil Bredesen signed a bill into law last year that authorizes tolling as a method to pay for new road and bridge work. 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.
The law allows tolls “as an additional and alternative method” to pay for highway work. It doesn’t specify toll roads or rates.
The bill would have dropped the two project limit and allowed the Tennessee Department of Transportation to look into as many toll projects as it chooses.

3/31/08-The House voted 77-13 to approve a bill that would amend state law to allow more toll projects. It now moves to the Senate.
Gov. Phil Bredesen signed a bill into law last year that authorizes tolling as a method to pay for new road and bridge work. 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.
The law allows tolls “as an additional and alternative method” to pay for highway work. It doesn’t specify toll roads or rates.
Sponsored by House Transportation Chairman Phillip Pinion, D-Union City, HB2868 would drop the two project limit and allow the Tennessee Department of Transportation to look into as many toll projects as it chooses.
The bill is in the Senate Transportation Committee.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.

2/13/08-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would amend state law to allow more toll projects.
Gov. Phil Bredesen signed a bill into law last year that authorizes tolling as a method to pay for new road and bridge work. 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.
The law allows tolls “as an additional and alternative method” to pay for highway work. It doesn’t specify toll roads or rates.
Sponsored by House Transportation Chairman Phillip Pinion, D-Union City, HB2868 would drop the two project limit and allow the Tennessee Department of Transportation to look into as many toll projects as it chooses.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.
The companion bill – SB3091 – is in the Senate Transportation Committee.