enabling legislation

The Detroit River International Crossing's (DRIC) enabling legislation has passed the state House of Representatives 56-51 Wednesday. That was a near partyline vote, almost all Democrats voting Yes and almost all Republicans No.

The state Senate now has to consider the bill. Republicans number 21 to Democrats 17 in the Senate, so the bill faces formidable odds, needing to hold Democrats as a bloc and peel off three GOPers. More likely that a simple Yes/No vote there will be a slew of amendments put forward.

The Indiana legislature has passed enabling legislation (SB382) allowing toll concessions to be procured for construction of the Illiana Expressway in the far northwest of the state and two new toll bridges over the Ohio River in the southeast. Governor Mitch Daniels said he was "excited" saying: "This is exactly what we've been advocating a long time."

Prospects for toll projects in Arizona have brightened with easy passage of enabling legislation in the state House last week. HB2396 sponsored by house transportation committee chairman Rep Andy Biggs passed 53/1 last week. Parallel bills are moving in the state Senate (SB1261, SB1463).