SB80 set for hearing today before Senate committee

SB80 is scheduled for a hearing today before the Senate Transportation and Public Utilities Committee. The committee will meet at 8 a.m. in room W20.

Under the legislation, the state would be authorized to enter into public-private partnerships for toll roads. The bill includes the following provisions:

• Requires the Utah Department of Transportation to set rules for possible partnerships.

• Allows UDOT to accept both solicited and unsolicited proposals for toll roads.

• Requires the state to enter into an agreement with private groups where maximum toll rates are set.

• Requires oversight and approval of partnerships by the state Transportation Commission.

• Requires reporting to the Legislature both before and after a partnership agreement is formed

• Authorizes a private group to set up its own enforcement for a tolled road.