7/24/08-A bill has died – SB1352 – in the Senate Appropriations/Base Budget Committee that would have set aside extra money to help pay for toll roads.

6/4/08-A bill in the Senate Appropriations/Base Budget Committee would set aside extra money to help pay for toll roads.
The General Assembly adjourned their 2007 regular session without reaching agreement on a plan to require most drivers in the state to pay $8 more per year for their vehicle registration stickers. The money would be used to leverage revenue bonds for toll road projects.
Sponsored by Sen. David Hoyle, D-Gastonia, SB1352 has been brought back for consideration during the regular session that opened last month.
A year ago, House lawmakers balked at a Senate-approved plan that would have required most drivers to pay $8 more per year for their vehicle registration stickers. The increase would have added $30 million this fiscal year for the North Carolina Turnpike Authority. The added funds would have reached $52 million annually each of the next four fiscal years.
Instead, the House voted on the final work day of the year for a version of the bill that would give the Turnpike Authority $20 million, but the Senate never considered it. With the continuation of the state’s two-year session, the effort is expected to once again draw consideration.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779.