Statewide Toll Authority Approved by House

From Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh A bill creating a statewide toll authority to oversee financing of massive highway and bridge projects in Kentucky now has state House approval. The House voted 84-13 to create a statewide toll authority, which could impose tolls to finance highway and bridge projects that cost 500-million dollars or more.Among opponents was Covington Rep. Arnold Simpson. He says toll financing of future projects like the I-75 bridge to Cincinnati would be unfair to Northern Kentucky workers who use the bridge."When you’re going to levy a toll on them to bring funds to Kentucky to pay more taxes, I would say the burden is too great," said Simpson.The House also voted unanimously for a measure requiring the collection of DNA from any person, including juveniles, convicted of any felony offense. Kentucky is one of only five states without the requirement. Both bills now move to the Senate.