Indiana Capital Chronicle takes a detailed look at legislation (HB 1461) that aims at reform and expansion of Indiana transportation financing to prevent looming budget shortfalls. Among other things, the measure would update 2017 legislation that opened up opportunities (so far, neglected) to raise revenue through highway and bridge tolling. One provision would authorize INDOT to apply to the federal government for a project tolling waiver with the governor’s approval. If a waiver were granted, state authorizing legislation wouldn’t be required. At a January 27 committee hearing, tolling got the support of construction industry representatives and the state chamber of commerce, while the state’s trucking association cited objections.
A video record of the January 27 House Roads and Transportation committee hearing is available online. A lengthy summary and fiscal analysis of HB 1461 has been prepared by the Indiana Legislative Services Agency.