Texas truck law expands, Florida to lease tolls an

[fortwayne]

Here is a couple of news items that caught my eye.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry has signed a bill into law intended to allow more police in the state to enforce truck rules. The new law takes effect Sept. 1.

Cities must be certified from the Texas Department of Public Safety to enforce the safety standards.

The new law, previously SB545, allows police in cities with populations of 50,000 or more to enforce the safety standards. It also allows police in cities with populations of 25,000 or more and located in counties with populations of at least 500,000 to enforce the standards.

In addition, it extends enforcement of truck rules to municipalities with populations of at least 34,000. The only requirement is that they are located in a county that borders two or more states.

The changes to state law will allow more than 40 cities to become eligible to enforce truck rules.

Also, the Florida Department of Transportation can lease most toll roads in the state to private groups, under a bill signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist.

The leasing provision is included in a far-reaching transportation bill that applies to any existing toll facilities in the state’s highway system, except the Florida Turnpike. It also allows private groups to build and operate new roads.

The new law, previously HB985, allows regular toll increases on all “pay-as-you-go” routes, including the turnpike, to keep pace with inflation. Tolling authorities also could raise the fees beyond that at their discretion.

A House analysis of the effort did not report what the state collects each year in tolls, but it says leasing toll routes would help generate immediate cash that would help pay for $117 billion in road improvements through fiscal year 2025.

The analysis estimated that leasing Alligator Alley could be worth $3 billion for the state. The Pinellas Bayway could bring in $6 billion while the Sunshine Skyway could raise $8.2 billion.

Opponents warn that such moves to lease roads could put future state revenues at risk. They also say it’s unfair to tax people for roads they’ve already paid for. Since when is being unfair and ripping off the taxpayer and drivers made a difference.

Well, we leased our tolls out in Indiana and the whole program has turned into a financial and safety nightmare. I would expect the same will take place in Florida.

Fort Wayne
Boycott The Flyless J!

[tec1959]

IMO I'm glad I live In North Fla and not In central or south Fla It costs to much there any way already...

[Tennesseahawk]

Hopefully, the FL government will look at Indiana's situation and think better. But the lure of cash will likely blind the decision makers.

-Vampire Super Slooth Trucker!!!

[tec1959]

Thawk I'm with you but I believe your right...

[fortwayne]

hawk -
With this Florida toll road deal - it is already passed, they already did all the thinking they cared to do. As you said, they went for the almighty dollar instead of common sense, you know - don't spend money if you don't have money. Instead of making tough financial decisions Florida did just what we did here in Indiana and grabbed more of the workers money. What makes me mad as hell about this stuff is unless you have hours and hours to spare each week to research bills under consideration by your local locus, county crooks, state stealers and those federal freaks you never hear about how many hands are in your pockets. Maybe we should all put our money in our socks - no that wouldn't work either they can smell money anywhere. Well, maybe when I die I can just stick it up their.....(ok never mind).

Fort Wayne
Boycott The Flyless J!

[buckeyewildman]

money talks bull#$%% walks