Bill Text: MS HB374 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Rest areas; require MDOT to study the efficiency of operations and feasibility of leasing to private entities.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Failed) 2010-02-02 - Died In Committee [HB374 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2010-HB374-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Transportation
By: Representative Mayo
House Bill 374
AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO EXPLORE MORE EFFICIENT WAYS TO OPERATE THE STATE'S REST AREAS AND TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF ALLOWING LONG-TERM LEASING OF CERTAIN REST AREAS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) The Mississippi Department of Transportation shall conduct a study to explore more efficient ways to operate the state's rest areas. In addition to exploring the efficiency of operations, the department shall also determine the feasibility of allowing long-term leasing of certain rest areas to private entities for operation and providing vendor contract services, provided that those leases comply with the regulations and receive approval, on a case-by-case basis, of the Federal Highway Administration for projects located on the state's interstate system and those that include federal funds. This study shall not apply to state or privately operated hospitality centers.
(2) The department shall make a report of the conclusions of its study to the Legislature before the date of sine die for the 2011 Regular Session, which report shall include:
(a) An overview of the laws and regulations on the permitted and restricted practices under 23 CFR Sections 1.23,710 and 752 and 20 USCS Section 107a;
(b) An estimate of potential revenue to be generated from the leasing of rest areas;
(c) The existing costs of operating rest areas, to be compiled for each rest area and the total annual costs for all rest area;
(d) A recommendation of sites to be considered for leasing, and the location of each recommended site;
(e) An assessment of the viability of existing rest areas, and the need to reduce or increase the number of available rest areas;
(f) Any additional information the department deems necessary to provide a comprehensive report on the state's rest areas and an outlook of the state's continued operation of those rest areas; and
(g) Any recommendations for proposed legislation.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2010.
