3/2/10-The House Transportation Committee last week killed a bill by not releasing it for consideration before the full House to allow the state Department of Transportation to come up with a plan to toll Interstate 80. The state would also have needed to come up with $350,000 to pay for a study on the plan.
Previously approved by the Senate, SF35 would have given the Wyoming Transportation Commission authority to charge highway users to travel I-80. In addition, WyDOT would have been allowed to devise a master plan to study various tolling scenarios.
With the tolling authority, WyDOT would have been able to make a formal request to the Federal Highway Administration to set up tolling booths on I-80. The state would also be responsible for coming up with $350,000 to submit the plan to the feds.
Specific details of the toll plan in the legislation did not include toll rates or where tolls would be collected. The master plan would have determined the details.
Tolling the existing highway requires approval by federal authorities, as well as passage at the Wyoming statehouse and the governor’s signature.

2/19/10-The Senate has voted in favor of a bill that would allow the state Department of Transportation to come up with a plan to toll Interstate 80. The state would also need to come up with $350,000 to pay for a study on the plan.
Senate lawmakers voted 18-12 to advance to the House a bill that would give the Wyoming Transportation Commission authority to charge highway users to travel I-80. In addition, WyDOT would be allowed to devise a master plan to study various tolling scenarios.
With the tolling authority, WyDOT would be able to make a formal request to the Federal Highway Administration to set up tolling booths on I-80. The state would have to fork over $350,000 to submit the plan to the feds.
Specific details of the toll plan in the legislation – SF35 – do not include toll rates or where tolls would be collected. The master plan, which might not be presented to Wyoming lawmakers until 2012, would determine the details.
Tolling the existing highway requires approval by federal authorities, as well as passage at the Wyoming statehouse and the governor’s signature.
The bill is in the House Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee.
For bill status, call 307-777-6185. In Wyoming, call 800-342-9570.

2/17/10-A bill awaiting a vote on the Senate floor would allow the state Department of Transportation to come up with a plan to toll Interstate 80.
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 4-1 to advance a bill to the full Senate that would give the Wyoming Transportation Commission authority to become a tolling agency. In addition, WyDOT would be allowed to devise a master plan to study various tolling scenarios.
The Senate Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee approved SF35 a week ago. It could come up for final consideration on the Senate floor as soon as Thursday, Feb. 18. If approved, the bill would move to the House.
With the tolling authority, WyDOT would be able to make a formal request to the Federal Highway Administration to set up tolling booths on I-80.
Specific details of the toll plan in the legislation do not include toll rates or where tolls would be collected. The master plan, which might not be presented to Wyoming lawmakers until 2012, would determine the details.
Tolling the existing highway requires approval by federal authorities, as well as passage at the Wyoming statehouse and the governor’s signature.
For bill status, call 307-777-6185. In Wyoming, call 800-342-9570.