This bill establishes a highway tolling program in Wyoming, empowering the Wyoming Transportation Commission to impose tolls on interstates and state highways. It creates a special toll revenue account for all toll revenues and bond proceeds, which can only be used for project-related expenses such as debt repayment and maintenance. The bill mandates the development of a project master plan that includes goals, project descriptions, tolling approaches, and financial plans, requiring approval from both the commission and the legislature before implementation. Additionally, the commission is granted various powers, including the ability to issue revenue bonds, set toll rates, and oversee tolling infrastructure, with an emphasis on legislative oversight and public interest.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding the issuance and management of project revenue bonds, clarifying that these bonds will be secured solely by pledged revenues and will not be considered general obligations of the state. It ensures that the commission's projects and revenues are exempt from state and local taxes, reinforcing their status as essential governmental functions. Furthermore, the bill creates a state highway fund with specified revenue sources, including federal contributions and state taxes, and allocates 75% of any bond issue for highway construction to counties based on assessed valuations. The act is set to take effect immediately upon completion of the necessary legislative processes.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0108 v0.8: 24-1-119, 24-8-101