This section sets a limited pilot program for certain highway and bridge projects and bars the department from developing pilot projects until public hearings, a written report, and general assembly approval are completed.
This chapter shall be initially limited to a pilot program, as further provided in this section, to be conducted for the purpose of evaluating the feasibility of tolling as an additional method for funding the development of highways or other transportation-related facilities. The pilot program created by this chapter shall be limited to the following: One (1) new highway project, including any bridges and other structures that may be necessary to complete the project; and One (1) major bridge project crossing a major river, together with any related highway facilities and structures needed to complete the project and give it logical termini; or Two (2) new highway projects, including any bridges and other structures that may be necessary to complete each project; or Two (2) major bridge projects crossing a major river, together with any related highway facilities and structures needed to complete each project and give it logical termini. It is the intent of the general assembly that the department shall proceed to identify and initiate the development of these pilot projects as soon as reasonably practical. No pilot project shall be developed until the department conducts one (1) or more public hearings for the specific purpose of receiving public comments concerning tolling as an alternative means of funding or financing bridges or highways within the state and until the department submits a written report, reviewing the public comments, to the chairs of the finance, ways and means committees of the senate and of the house of representatives and to the chairs of the transportation and safety committee of the senate and transportation committee of the house of representatives. No pilot project shall be developed by the department without the prior approval of the general assembly as provided in § 54-3-102(b). The department shall not develop any tollway project or toll facility project that is not within the pilot program created in this section until after the general assembly has expressly authorized the department to proceed with additional tollway projects and toll facility projects.