6/1/10-Gov. Mark Parkinson has signed a bill into law that will have Kansas truckers paying even more to the state to get transportation work done.
The new 10-year, $8.2 billion plan includes an increase in the state’s sales tax and truck registration fees, authorizes the use of bonds, as well as a toll study. About $2.7 billion in new revenue will be added through 2020. Combined with existing revenue, the plan’s price tag reaches $8.2 billion.
Bonds totaling $1.7 billion will be issued to foot the bill for road, rail, air and transit projects. The state’s sales tax will increase four-tenths of a cent starting in Jan. 2013. It is estimated to generate $1.5 billion for transportation.
Another aspect of the bill – H2650 – could have long-term effects on transportation in the state. The transportation secretary has authority to recommend construction of a new toll or turnpike project, or the designation of an existing highway as a toll or turnpike project if a feasibility study provides a favorable result.
Truckers have been singled out to pay an extra $135 to help foot the bill for the transportation plan. In 2013, the first of two registration fee hikes will be implemented for trucks. The fee will rise from $1,735 to $1,820 the first year. A year later the fee will rise to $1,870. Meanwhile, vehicles weighing less than 12,000 pounds will not pay more.
Included in the bill is a requirement that the Kansas Department of Transportation spend at least $8 million in each of the state’s 105 counties during the next decade.

5/13/10-House lawmakers voted 86-38 Tuesday, May 11, to approve a 10-year, $8.2 billion transportation program. It now moves to Gov. Mark Parkinson, who is expected to sign it. The Senate previously approved it by a 25-13 margin.
H2650 includes an increase in the state’s sales tax and truck registration fees, authorizes the use of bonds, as well as a toll study.
The bill adds about $2.7 billion in new revenue through 2020. Combined with existing revenue, the plan’s price tag reaches $8.2 billion.
Bonds totaling $1.7 billion would be issued to foot the bill for road, rail, air and transit projects. The state’s sales tax would increase four-tenths of a cent starting in Jan. 2013. It is estimated to generate $1.5 billion.
Another provision could have long-term effects on transportation in the state. The transportation secretary would be authorized to recommend construction of a new toll or turnpike project, or the designation of an existing highway as a toll or turnpike project if a feasibility study provides a favorable result.
Also drawing truckers’ attention is a plan to increase annual registration fees for large trucks by $135. In 2013, the fee would increase from $1,735 to $1,820. A year later the fee would rise to $1,870. Vehicles weighing less than 12,000 pounds would not pay more.
Included in the bill is a requirement that the Kansas Department of Transportation spend at least $8 million in each of the state’s 105 counties during the next decade.
For bill status, call 785-296-2149. In Kansas, call 800-432-3924.

4/14/10-The Senate Transportation Committee voted to advance a proposed 10-year, $8.2 billion transportation program that would increase the state’s sales tax and vehicle registration fees and authorize the use of bonds.
H2650 would authorize bonds to be issued to foot the bill for road, rail, air and public transit projects.
The state’s sales tax would be increased from 5.3 percent to 5.6 percent, starting in Jan. 2013. Annual vehicle registration fees for smaller vehicles would increase $20 by 2014. Large trucks would pay more with the heaviest trucks responsible for paying an extra $135.
The new revenue in the package totals about $2.7 billion through 2020. Combined with existing revenue, the plan’s price tag reaches $8.2 billion. It would replace a 10-year, $13 billion program that ended a year ago.
The bill doesn’t include a provision to shield transportation funding from being diverted to other spending priorities.
The bill is awaiting consideration on the Senate floor. If approved there it would head back to the House for approval of changes.
For bill status, call 785-296-2149. In Kansas, call 800-432-3924.