- Committee -
SCS/SBs 970, 968, 921, 867, 868 & 638 - This act removes the 2008 sunset on the 6-cent gas tax and eliminates the requirement that road projects be bid in sections not to exceed 10 miles (this provision is similar to that contained in SB 868). The act also authorizes MoDOT to enter into three pilot design-build projects within the next ten years (this provision is similar to SB 867).
This act removes the cap on the amount of aviation jet tax revenues which may be deposited in the Aviation Trust Fund. Current law only permits $5 million of the aviation jet fuel tax revenues to be placed in the fund. This act also extends the sunset on the aviation jet fuel tax section to December 31, 2008. Under current law, the commission may match state funds at a 80% level and locals at a 20% level. This is changed to a 90/10 formula. This act also modifies the language regarding the deposit of unclaimed aviation fuel refunds. The current law states that "If any person fails to apply for a refund as provided in Chapter 142, RSMo, he makes a gift of his refund to the Aviation Trust Fund." The new language simply states that the refund amount will be deposited in such fund. This act also makes some technical changes by referring to the Missouri Department of Transportation Commission as simply the commission.
This act prohibits persons from transporting hazardous materials through highway tunnels. This act also prohibits parking vehicles containing hazardous materials within 300 feet of a highway tunnel unless allowed by federal regulations. Violation of this act is a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense, and a Class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense.
This act also allows the Department of Transportation to contract with private individuals to mow and maintain the rights- of-way.
STEPHEN WITTE