HB 354 -- PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

SPONSOR:  Schlottach

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Infrastructure and Transportation Funding by a vote of 10 to 2.

This bill changes the laws regarding the Missouri Public-Private
Partnerships Transportation Act by expanding the types of
projects that may be included.  Currently, the act is limited to
the bridge project over the Mississippi River.  The bill allows
any pipeline, ferry, river port, airport, railroad, light rail or
other mass transit facility, and any similar or related
improvement or infrastructure to be financed, developed, and/or
operated under an agreement between the Highways and
Transportation Commission and a private partner.

The commission is allowed to approve projects it determines are
needed or will improve the state transportation system.  The
"state transportation system" is defined as the state system of
nonhighway transportation programs including, but not limited to,
aviation, transit and mass transportation, railroads, ports,
waterborne commerce, freight, and intermodal connections.

A sales and use tax exemption is authorized on all sales and
purchases of tangible property, utilities, or services for use in
public-private transportation projects; and any revenues received
from a public-private project are exempt from state income tax.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2010, FY 2011, and
FY 2012.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that it is important that more
projects be included under the act.  The bill will allow private
investment money to be used for certain projects rather than tax
dollars which will provide the state with a new tool to fund
state and local transportation projects.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Schlottach;
TranSystems; and Missouri Railroad Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say there are concerns
that the bill could lead to the state authorizing toll roads and
bridges in the state.

Testifying on the bill was Missouri Motor Carriers Association.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:24 am