Daily News Briefs, January 31, 2023

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Wyoming Bill Proposes Optional Tax On EV Charging Power

Casper Star-Tribune reports, Wyoming lawmakers have proposed a bill (HB 275) that would raise the cost of registering and charging an electric vehicle (EV) in the state. The measure, which is awaiting introduction and will probably be revised, would impose a tax of 15 cents per kilowatt-hour on electricity used by a commercial or residential charging unit or by a vehicle self‑charging feature, such as a built‑in photovoltaic panel. In lieu of paying the tax, an EV owner could opt to pay the state’s annual EV registration fee — increased from $200 to $350 — or a new $175 fee for hybrid vehicles. Proponents say their intent is to ensure that all vehicle owners pay a fair share of highway infrastructure costs, not to discourage EV adoption.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Wyoming Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)

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US House's Republican-Led Highways Subcommittee Will Prioritize Oversight

Transport Topics reports, the new chair of the US House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit intends to focus on oversight of the Biden administration’s implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). In the announcement of his selection, Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR 1) stated, “An efficient and safe highway system is critical to America’s competitiveness in the global economy and a vital component of our national security. I look forward to providing vigorous oversight of IIJA to ensure that those funds are spent on projects that are priorities for states and local government.” (Link added) The article notes that supply chain policies are a prominent part of the oversight agenda set by the Republicans who control the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the new Congress.

Appointments-Promotions-Retirements US Department of Transportation (USDOT) US Gov't Transportation Funding US Infrastructure Funding And Financing Initiatives

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Major CTRMA Extension Project Advances

Community Impact Newspaper reports on the progress of the current phase of a Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) project to extend 183A Toll by 6.6 miles. The authority is adding two tolled lanes in each direction, working mainly in the existing median of US 183. “Structural and concrete work, such as retaining walls and bridges, are being built, and in 2023, work on [SH 29] to build a 30-foot-deep underpass will begin.” Construction begun in 2021 is now more than 40 percent complete and scheduled for completion in early 2025.

183A Toll (CTRMA) Austin (TX) Metro Area Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) Texas

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These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.

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