Establishes the "Interstate 49 Expansion Trust Fund"
Summary
HB 1183 creates a new dedicated fund in the state treasury called the "Interstate 49 Expansion Trust Fund." The fund would receive legislative appropriations and could also accept gifts, contributions, grants, or bequests from federal, private, or other sources. It is established as a revolving trust fund, meaning it is exempt from the normal transfer of unexpended balances to general revenue, and any interest earned would remain in the fund.
Money in the fund could be spent only by appropriation of the General Assembly and only for a specific transportation project: the expansion of Interstate 49 from East 155th Street in Belton to West Mechanic Street in Harrisonville. The bill directs the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and the Missouri Department of Transportation to administer the money for that purpose and for no other use. The fund is temporary and would terminate on August 28, 2035, at which point any remaining unencumbered balance would be transferred to general revenue.
Impact
The bill would amend Chapter 226, RSMo, by adding a new section establishing a special-purpose transportation trust fund and creating a statutory funding mechanism for a defined segment of Interstate 49 expansion. It would affect state budget and treasury practices by exempting the fund from the usual lapse/transfer rules for unexpended balances and by allowing outside funding sources to supplement state appropriations. The practical effect is to earmark state and non-state money for a single highway project under the administration of MoDOT and the Highways and Transportation Commission.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive in intent, as the bill is a targeted infrastructure financing measure. The caption and structure suggest a straightforward effort to advance a transportation project rather than a controversial policy change. No formal opposition, amendments, or recorded vote concerns are available in the provided context.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the use of a dedicated trust fund and earmarked appropriations for one highway project, which can raise broader budgetary concerns about prioritizing a specific corridor over other transportation needs. Another possible issue is the reliance on future appropriations and outside contributions, which may create uncertainty about whether the project will be fully funded. However, no specific objections, supporters, or debate points are included in the provided committee or voting history.