4/29/08-Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed a bill into law limiting the operation of toll facilities.
The governor 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 new law, previously SB2724, requires any companies contracting with the state to operate toll roads or bridges to be majority American owned.

3/31/08-The Senate and House have approved a bill that would limit the operation of toll facilities. It now moves to Gov. Phil Bredesen’s desk.
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 Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, SB2724 would require any companies contracting with the state to operate toll roads or bridges to be majority American owned.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.

2/28/08-The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would prohibit the state from partnering with foreign-owned businesses to pay for new road and bridge work. It now moves to the House.
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 Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, SB2724 would require toll roads to be majority American-owned businesses.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the House. For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.

2/22/08-The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved a bill that would prohibit the state from partnering with foreign-owned businesses to pay for new road and bridge work.
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 Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, SB2724 would require toll roads to be majority American-owned businesses.
The bill is awaiting consideration on the Senate floor. The companion bill – HB2813 – is in a House subcommittee.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.