Commission Keeps Tolling Power

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Legislation to limit the Highway Commission’s authority to place toll booths on Interstates failed in committee, but supporters say they’ll try again with a resolution.

The bill would have required the commission to get approval from the governor and the Arkansas Legislature to establish toll stations on freeways. “We want a little bit of say-so in the process,” state Rep. Russ Hunt said.

The Republican lawmaker urged backers of the bill to express their sentiments through a resolution that would place all highway-funding options on the table.

he autonomous Highway Commission has requested tolling authority for Arkansas under the 1998 federal highway act.