STATESMAN: Defanged private tollway ban passes

God knows what Carona and Krusee are doing behind closed doors. I would bet money that they are only moving the bill forward, to get what Carona wants for his big compromise bill. And who knows what that really is. This is a well orchestrated dance - that we were not invited to. The article reveals the Carona and Krusee secret deal will probably be shared with legislators next week...

A two-year ban on long-term toll road leases with private companies, pockmarked with exceptions and thus largely symbolic, cleared a Texas Senate committee Wednesday on a unanimous vote.

By Ben Wear
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Thursday, April 05, 2007

However, the more meaningful action on toll roads should begin in the next two weeks, when a large bill addressing a wide range of concerns over tollways will be introduced in the Senate.

The much-publicized moratorium bill by Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, Senate Bill 1267, has an excellent chance of passing the Senate, given that 29 of 31 senators have either signed on as co-sponsors or voted for it in committee.

But despite 111 House co-sponsors, it could run aground in that body.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Mike Krusee, R-Williamson County, supports private toll road contracts.

"With the time it covers, and the amendments, it does little more than make a political statement," said John Carona, R-Dallas, chairman of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee.

Read the rest of the article HERE.