5/30/08-A bill has died that sought to expand the state’s tolling authority.
Sponsored by Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden, SB3003 remained in the Senate Transportation Committee when the session ended, effectively killing it for the year.
A bill signed into law a year ago, 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 authorized a third pilot toll project. It would have specified a bridge be erected over the Tennessee River to connect Benton and Houston counties via state Route 147.
The companion version – HB2836 – also died.

2/13/08-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would expand the state’s tolling authority.
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. Roy Herron, D-Dresden, SB3003 would authorize a third pilot toll project. It would specify a bridge be erected over the Tennessee River to connect Benton and Houston counties via state Route 147.
For bill status, call (615) 741-0927.
The companion version – HB2836 – is in the House Transportation Committee.