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Senate Committee passes resolution on toll roads and bridges

May 9, 2001
By: Michelle Wirth
State Capital Bureau

As if rising gas prices weren't enough, a Missouri Senate committee approved a plan to make driving even more expensive. Michelle Wirth has more from Jefferson City.

The full senate will hear a constitutional amendent giving the State Highway Commission and the legislature control over the construction of toll roads and bridges. The amendment, which was passed out of the Transportation Committee, would be voted on by the public before becoming law. Republican Senator Morris Westfall says he voted against the toll road portion of the measure, but supports toll bridges.

Actuality:Westfall
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Contents: Most people don't want them on existing roads at home, they want them somewhere else and I think you jeopardize the possibility of toll bridges, which I think there's some support for, some need.

Westfall says there is a need because Missouri has 55 of the largest bridges in the United States. Michelle Wirth, KMOX-News.

Date:5/9/01

By: Michelle Wirth

State Capital Bureau

Hold on to that loose change...a Missouri Senate Committee passed a measure clearing the way for toll bridges and roads in Missouri. Michelle Wirth has more from Jefferson City.

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OutCue: SOC

The transportation committee approved a measure giving the legislature and the state highway commission control over the construction of toll roads and bridges.

Ultimately, if the plan passes the legislature, the public would have to approve the roads.

Committee Chair Morris Westfall voted against the measure.

Actuality:Westfall
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Contents: The debate had to do with whether we want with toll bridges, toll roads, or not at all and I personally support toll bridges, but do not support toll roads at this point.

Westfall says he sees a need for toll bridges because two major rivers flow through Missouri. But he doesn't see the same need for pay-to-drive highways. Michelle Wirth KMOX-News.