Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall has been quite vocal about his disagreement with SB 3046 since it was presented to legislators only a week ago.
His main concerns with the billion dollar bridge bill is, as he calls it, a bridge to nowhere. Hall says the only good thing about the bill is the fact that lawmakers are finally recognizing something needs to be done.
- There has been no increase in fuel tax, that supports MDOT in 31 years and expenses have gone up over 450%.
- The Senate Bill takes $25 million out of the transportation budget. Those dollars go to state maintenance (i.e. fixing pot holes, cleaning up rest stops etc.)
- The “supposed” $600-800 million extra is coming out of the Rainy Day fund, Hall says, there is no extra money in that fund after balancing the state budget.
- The Governor would be in control of deciding what roads and bridges receive infrastructure dollars, not transportation commission.
WATCH INTERVIEW BELOW:
The bill was introduced to the public in a press conference by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves. You can watch his remarks on what the bill will do.
About the Author(s)
Sarah Ulmer
Sarah is a Mississippi native, born and raised in Madison. She is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where she studied Communications, with an emphasis in Broadcasting and Journalism. Sarah’s experience spans multiple mediums, including extensive videography with both at home and overseas, broadcasting daily news, and hosting a live radio show. In 2017, Sarah became a member of the Capitol Press Corp in Mississippi and has faithfully covered the decisions being made by leaders on some of the most important issues facing our state. Email Sarah: sarah@magnoliatribune.com
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